How Much Pea Gravel for 400 Square Feet?
How much pea gravel for 400 square feet depends on depth. At 3 inches you need about 3.70 cubic yards, roughly 5.2 tons at 1.4 tons per yard. At 2 inches the order drops to 3.5 tons.
Volume and tonnage calculator →Pea gravel for 400 sq ft by depth
| Depth | Cubic yards | Tons | Tons +10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 2.47 | 3.5 | 3.8 |
| 3 in | 3.70 | 5.2 | 5.7 |
| 4 in | 4.94 | 6.9 | 7.6 |
Working it out
- 400 sq ft × (3 ÷ 12) ft = 100.0 cubic feet.
- ÷ 27 = 3.70 cubic yards.
- × 1.4 tons per yard = 5.2 tons.
About pea gravel
Because pea gravel is round, it never fully locks. Keep depths modest on walkways and patios so it does not feel like walking on a beach, and use edging. Typical weight: 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard.
Before the truck comes
- Measure odd shapes in pieces. Split curves and L-shapes into rectangles and add them.
- Add a margin. About 10 percent covers compaction and low spots.
- Bulk or bags. Bulk delivery is the practical choice here.
- Prep first. Remove sod, compact the subgrade and set edging before the stone arrives.
Use the volume and tonnage calculator for any other size.
When to choose pea gravel
Good uses:
- Patios, walkways and dog runs
- Play areas with proper depth and edging
- Drainage around foundations when sized properly
Think twice for:
- Driveways and steep paths, where it rolls and ruts
- Under pavers as a base
- Areas without edging
Quick reference numbers
- Per inch over 100 sq ft: about 0.43 tons of pea gravel (0.31 cubic yards).
- Per inch over 1,000 sq ft: about 4.3 tons.
- Another size for comparison: a 14x28 area at 3 inches takes about 5.1 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
Common estimating mistakes
- Ignoring the base. A thin surface layer over soft soil fails early no matter how much material is on top.
- Skipping drainage. Water sitting under any surface softens the base and leads to ruts and potholes.
- Ordering exactly the math. Uneven ground and spillage nearly always need a little more than the flat calculation.
- Mixing up cubic yards and tons. Yards are volume, tons are weight; convert with the product’s weight per yard.
Questions people ask
How many tons of pea gravel for 400 square feet?
About 5.2 tons at 3 inches deep.
How many cubic yards of pea gravel for 400 square feet?
About 3.70 yards at 3 inches.
How much pea gravel for 400 square feet at 2 inches?
About 3.5 tons, or 2.47 cubic yards.
How much does a yard of pea gravel weigh?
About 1.3 to 1.5 tons.
Should I add extra?
Yes, about 10 percent is a common allowance.
Related guides
- How Much Does a Ton of Gravel Cover? Depth Chart
- Tons to Cubic Yards for Gravel: Conversion Chart
- How Much Does a Ton of Gravel Cover? Depth Chart
- How Much Pea Gravel for 250 Square Feet?
- How Much Pea Gravel for 300 Square Feet?
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