Accurately calculate weight of pea gravel, coverage volume, and estimated project costs
Project Dimensions & Costs
Enter your coverage area dimensions to calculate weight of pea gravel required.
Length of the area to cover
Please enter a valid positive number
Width of the area to cover
Please enter a valid positive number
Diameter of the circular area
Please enter a valid positive number
Recommended depth: 2-3 inches for walkways
Please enter a valid positive number
Loose Pea Gravel (100 lbs/ft³)
Standard Pea Gravel (105 lbs/ft³)
Compacted Pea Gravel (115 lbs/ft³)
Wet/Washed Pea Gravel (120 lbs/ft³)
Standard pea gravel typically weighs ~105 lbs per cubic foot
Average cost for materials (excluding delivery)
Total Estimated Weight
0.00
Tons
0
Total Pounds (lbs)
0.00
Volume (Cubic Yards)
$0.00
Estimated Material Cost
Logic Used: Area (ft²) × (Depth in inches / 12) = Volume (ft³). Weight = Volume × Density. Total Cost = (Weight in Tons) × Price per Ton.
Weight vs. Depth Scenarios
Quick Reference Table
Comparison of dry vs. wet weight for the specified area at different depths.
Depth (in)
Volume (yd³)
Dry Weight (Tons)
Wet Weight (Tons)
What is Calculate Weight of Pea Gravel?
When planning landscaping projects such as walkways, patios, or drainage systems, one of the most critical steps is to accurate calculate weight of pea gravel required. This calculation determines the total mass of the aggregate needed to fill a specific volume to a desired depth. Unlike buying simple items by count, aggregates like pea gravel are sold by weight (tons) or volume (cubic yards), making precise mathematical estimation essential for budgeting and logistics.
Homeowners, contractors, and landscapers use this calculation to avoid ordering too little material—resulting in project delays and extra delivery fees—or ordering too much, which leads to wasted money and disposal issues. A common misconception is that one "truckload" is a standard unit; in reality, truck capacities vary, so knowing the exact tonnage is the only way to ensure accurate delivery.
Pea Gravel Formula and Mathematical Explanation
To correct calculate weight of pea gravel, we follow a three-step physics-based process: determining area, converting to volume, and applying density. The density of pea gravel is the key variable that connects volume to weight.
The Core Formula: Weight (lbs) = Area (sq ft) × (Depth (inches) ÷ 12) × Density (lbs/ft³)
Step-by-Step Derivation:
Calculate Area: For rectangles, $Area = Length \times Width$. For circles, $Area = \pi \times Radius^2$.
Calculate Volume (Cubic Feet): Multiply the Area by the Depth. Note that depth is usually measured in inches, so it must be divided by 12 to convert to feet.
Apply Density: Multiply the Volume by the material density. Standard pea gravel weighs approximately 105 lbs per cubic foot.
Convert to Tons: Divide the total pounds by 2,000 to get the weight in US tons.
Variables Table
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
Area
Surface space to cover
Square Feet (ft²)
10 – 5,000+
Depth
Thickness of layer
Inches (in)
2″ – 6″
Density
Mass per unit volume
lbs/ft³
100 – 120
Volume
3D space filled
Cubic Yards (yd³)
0.5 – 20+
Key variables used to calculate weight of pea gravel.
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: The Backyard Walkway
A homeowner wants to install a winding path. The linearized dimensions are 40 feet long and 3 feet wide. They desire a depth of 3 inches.
Financial Implication: This requires a larger delivery truck. At $45/ton, the material cost is roughly $158.40.
How to Use This Pea Gravel Calculator
This tool is designed to simplify the math required to calculate weight of pea gravel. Follow these steps for the most accurate results:
Select Shape: Choose between a Rectangular or Circular area based on your project layout.
Enter Dimensions: Input the length/width or diameter in feet. Be precise; even small errors in measurement can affect the final tonnage.
Set Depth: Enter the desired depth in inches. For walkways, 2-3 inches is standard; for driveways, 4-6 inches is recommended.
Verify Density: The default is set to 105 lbs/ft³ (standard). If your supplier specifies "washed" or "wet" gravel, select the higher density option.
Review Results: The calculator instantly updates the Total Tons and Estimated Cost.
Decision Tip: Always round up your final order by 5-10% to account for settling, waste, and uneven subgrades.
Key Factors That Affect Pea Gravel Weight Results
Several physical and economic factors influence the final figures when you calculate weight of pea gravel.
Moisture Content: Wet gravel is significantly heavier than dry gravel. Rain or washing processes can add 10-15% to the weight without increasing the volume.
Compaction: If you plan to compact the gravel (common for bases), you will need more material to fill the same volume. Compaction increases density.
Aggregate Shape: Round pea gravel settles differently than crushed angular stone. Round stones have more void space, potentially weighing slightly less per cubic yard than crushed stone.
Subgrade Uniformity: If the ground beneath the gravel is uneven, you will need more material to fill dips and hollows to achieve a level surface.
Price Fluctuations: Fuel costs and quarry availability impact the price per ton. Always get a current quote before budgeting.
Delivery Fees: While not part of the weight calculation, delivery fees are often fixed per trip. Ordering 4.1 tons when a truck holds 4 tons might trigger a second delivery charge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much does a cubic yard of pea gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of pea gravel typically weighs between 2,600 and 2,800 lbs (1.3 to 1.4 tons), depending on moisture and stone size.
2. Can I use this to calculate weight of pea gravel for a driveway?
Yes, but pea gravel is round and shifts easily under tires. It is recommended to use a stabilizing grid or choose crushed stone for driveways.
3. What is the best depth for pea gravel?
For walking paths and patios, 2 to 3 inches is ideal. Depths greater than 3 inches make it difficult to walk on, similar to walking in dry sand.
4. Should I buy by the ton or cubic yard?
Most quarries sell by the ton (weight). Most landscape supply yards sell by the cubic yard (volume). This calculator provides both metrics.
5. Does rain affect the amount I need?
Rain affects the weight (making it heavier) but not the volume. If buying by the ton, buy dry if possible to get more material for your money.
6. How do I measure an irregular shape?
Break the irregular shape into smaller rectangles or circles, calculate the weight for each section using this tool, and add them together.
7. What is the coverage of 1 ton of pea gravel?
At a 2-inch depth, 1 ton of pea gravel covers approximately 100-110 square feet.
8. Do I need a weed barrier?
Yes, installing a landscape fabric beneath the gravel is highly recommended to prevent stones from sinking into the soil and weeds from growing through.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Explore our other construction and landscaping calculators to manage your project budget effectively: