Turn a measured layer into a yard order
A cubic yard is a volume, not a square-foot coverage promise. Measure the footprint first, choose the depth of the pea gravel itself, and keep a separate estimate for any compacted base. The calculator reports the layer volume, optional extra material, seller rounding, and an approximate weight.
Pea gravel yd³ = length (ft) × width (ft) × layer depth (in) ÷ 324The divisor comes from 12 inches per foot × 27 cubic feet per cubic yard. For an irregular bed, split the footprint into rectangles, calculate each part, and add their yardages. For a circular area or several shapes, use the main pea gravel calculator.
One cubic yard: coverage at different depths
These are geometric yields from 27 cubic feet per yard. They exclude optional extra material, supplier rounding, and variations in the grade beneath the stone.
| Pea gravel depth | Area from 1 yd³ | For every 100 sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 1½ in | 216 sq ft | 0.46 yd³ |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft | 0.62 yd³ |
| 2½ in | About 130 sq ft | 0.77 yd³ |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft | 0.93 yd³ |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft | 1.23 yd³ |
For another depth: coverage in sq ft = 324 ÷ depth in inches. If you already have a yardage and need the area it will cover, use the pea gravel coverage calculator.
Example: 20 × 12 ft with a 2 inch surface
- 1Measure the layer: 20 × 12 = 240 square feet. At 2 inches, 240 × 2 ÷ 324 = 1.48 yd³.
- 2Add only the extra you need: a chosen 10% for low spots, uneven edges, and handling brings the estimate to 1.63 yd³. This is not a fixed compaction percentage.
- 3Match the seller’s unit: quarter-yard increments mean ordering 1.75 yd³; half-yard increments mean 2 yd³. With no rounding, 1.63 yd³ at the example 2,700 lb/yd³ weighs about 2.20 short tons.
Sky Nursery lists half-yard pickup increments and whole-yard delivery increments, while Sutherland sells quarter-yard quantities. Your seller may use different steps, minimums, or delivery rules, so check before rounding.
Choose the right depth and surface
Two inches is a useful starting measurement for a small garden path or decorative surface, not a universal specification. A University of California garden pathway guide calls two inches a practical minimum and notes that rounded pea gravel shifts rather than packing into a solid surface. Edging helps contain it; furniture and frequent walking may call for larger stepping stones or an angular surface.
This calculator measures only the pea gravel finish. If your patio also needs a compacted base, measure that layer separately in the pea gravel patio calculator. For different uses and depths, see the rock depth guide.
What to confirm before ordering bulk pea gravel
Frequently Asked Questions About Pea Gravel Yardage
How many cubic yards of pea gravel do I need for a 15 × 15 ft area?
At 2 inches deep, 225 square feet needs 1.39 cubic yards for the measured layer. If you choose 10% extra for low spots and handling, the estimate becomes 1.53 cubic yards. A supplier selling only half-yard increments would round that to 2 cubic yards.
How do you calculate cubic yards of pea gravel?
For a rectangle, multiply length in feet by width in feet by the desired layer depth in inches, then divide by 324. This is the same as converting inches to feet and cubic feet to cubic yards. Add any site allowance after calculating the layer volume.
How much area does one cubic yard of pea gravel cover?
Before any ordering allowance, one cubic yard covers 216 square feet at 1½ inches, 162 square feet at 2 inches, 108 square feet at 3 inches, or 81 square feet at 4 inches. Divide 324 by the depth in inches for another depth.
How many tons is a cubic yard of pea gravel?
There is no fixed conversion. A planning value of 2,700 pounds per cubic yard equals 1.35 US short tons, but suppliers list different weights for their pea gravel. Use the density on your seller’s quote when ordering by weight.
Is the extra percentage a compaction factor?
No. Rounded pea gravel does not compact into a firm, interlocking layer. The optional extra percentage covers uncertain depth, low spots, handling, and edges. Set it to zero if your measured volume already accounts for those conditions.