Pea Gravel Calculator

Convert a decorative bed’s area and depth into volume, supplier-based bulk weight, US short tons, and whole bags.

Decorative bed orderThe result compares bulk weight and whole bags from the same supplier density.

26pea gravel bags

Net volume: 12 ft³ (0.44 yd³)
Order volume: 12.6 ft³ (0.47 yd³)
Estimated order weight: 1,260 lb
US short tons: 0.63
Whole bags: 26 × 50 lb

Weight depends on the editable bulk density. Use a supplier value for the same pea gravel and material condition.

Show calculation

12 ft × 6 ft × 2 in ÷ 12 × (1 + 5%) × 100 lb/ft³ = 1,260 lb

Transparent method and editable product assumptions. Verify current labels and project requirements.

How this calculator works

Measure each decorative bed as simple non-overlapping sections. This release calculates one rectangle; for an irregular bed, split it into rectangles, calculate their areas, and use the combined equivalent length and width.

Depth is converted to feet before multiplying by area. Extra material is applied to volume once. Estimated weight then uses the editable bulk density for the same pea gravel and material condition you plan to order.

Bulk density includes the voids between stones and changes with grading, moisture, and compaction. It is not particle density. The 100 lb/ft³ starting value is an illustrative editable input, not a universal pea-gravel specification. Ask the supplier for tons per cubic yard or bulk density whenever weight affects the order.

Formula

Volume = length × width × depth; weight = order volume × bulk density; bags = ceil(weight ÷ bag weight)The live substitution appears with your result.

Control example: metric cross-check

A 10 m² bed at 5 cm depth contains 0.5 m³.

At 1,370 kg/m³, it weighs 685 kg and requires 28 bags of 25 kg.

Assumptions and limits

The bed has a reasonably uniform average depth.
Bulk density matches the actual product and loose/compacted state.
A US ton in the result is a 2,000 lb short ton.
Bag count uses bag mass, while bulk volume remains visible for supplier quotes.

Common measuring mistakes

Using particle density or specific gravity as bulk density.
Applying a separate waste percentage to both volume and weight.
Assuming every decorative gravel has the same tons-per-yard conversion.

Sources

Product-specific values remain editable. These sources support the method and stated examples; they are not a universal substitute for your supplier’s current label.

Dricon TUS Sand technical data sheet Demonstrates a published loose bulk-density value and the need to tie density to a specific product.
U.S. Silica 100 Mesh product table Separates bulk density from particle density; not a pea-gravel preset.

Questions people ask

How deep should pea gravel be?

This calculator intentionally does not choose depth. Use the depth specified for your application, edging, drainage plan, and product.

How many tons are in a cubic yard?

There is no exact universal conversion. Tons per cubic yard depend on the supplier’s bulk density, grading, moisture, and material condition.

Can I calculate several beds?

Yes. Add their non-overlapping areas, or run each section separately and add the order quantities before final supplier rounding.