Gravel Path Calculator
Calculate tons of pea gravel for a walkway or garden path using its 1.4 tons per cubic yard density, plus total material cost.
How this calculator works
Path gravel is sold by weight but measured by volume, so this calculator converts your path’s length, width, and topping depth into cubic yards, then multiplies by pea gravel’s typical density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard to get the tons you need to order.
Formula: Cubic yards = (Path length ft × Path width ft × Depth ft) ÷ 27. Tons = Cubic yards × 1.4.
Worked example
A 40 ft long, 3 ft wide garden path topped 3 inches deep:
- Depth in feet: 3 ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft
- Cubic yards: (40 × 3 × 0.25) ÷ 27 ≈ 1.1111 yd³
- Tons: 1.1111 × 1.4 ≈ 1.56 tons
- At $60/ton, that’s $93.33 before waste.
Coverage reference
| Path length × width | Tons needed (at 3 in) |
|---|---|
| 20 ft × 1.5 ft | 0.39 tons |
| 40 ft × 3 ft | 1.56 tons |
| 80 ft × 6 ft | 6.22 tons |
How to measure your path
Walk the planned route and measure its total length in feet, then measure the walkable width you want — most single-file garden paths run 2-3 ft. If the path curves, break it into straight segments, measure each, and add the lengths together for a more accurate total than eyeballing a single straight-line distance.
Frequently asked questions
What should I enter for Length and Width for a garden path?
Length is the total distance the path runs from start to end, in feet. Width is how wide the walkable path is, in feet — a typical single-person garden path runs 2-3 ft wide, while a path meant for two people walking side by side or wheeling a cart is usually 4-5 ft.
Why does this calculator default to pea gravel for paths?
Pea gravel's small, smooth, rounded stones are comfortable underfoot and drain well, making it one of the most popular choices for garden and walkway paths. It's easy to walk on barefoot, unlike sharp crushed stone, and its rounded shape means it won't lock into a hard crust the way angular gravel does.
What depth of gravel should a garden path use?
2-3 inches over landscape fabric is standard for a decorative or lightly-used garden path. Paths that see more regular foot traffic, wheelbarrows, or need better long-term stability sometimes add a compacted crushed-stone base beneath the 2-3 inch pea gravel topping.
Do I need landscape fabric under a gravel path?
Yes, in almost every case. Fabric keeps the gravel from sinking into the soil and stops weeds from growing up through the stone, both of which are the most common complaints about gravel paths that skip this step.
How do I keep gravel path edges from spreading into the lawn or beds?
Metal, plastic, or paver edging installed along both sides of the path before the gravel goes down keeps the stone contained and creates a clean line against adjacent grass or planting beds — without edging, gravel tends to migrate outward within a season or two.
Should I add waste when ordering path gravel?
Yes, the 10% waste toggle covers an uneven path width along curves and settling once foot traffic compacts the loose stone slightly.
Estimates only. Verify quantities with your supplier before purchasing.