Guides
How Much Gravel for a 3×20 Walkway?
Quick Answer
For a 3x20 foot walkway at 3 inches deep, you need about 15 cubic feet, or 0.56 cubic yards, of gravel. If using pea gravel at about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, that equals about 0.78 tons, or about 0.86 tons with 10% extra.
Project Assumptions
This walkway example uses pea gravel at a common walking depth.
- Walkway size: 3 ft x 20 ft
- Total area: 60 square feet
- Gravel depth: 3 inches
- Material type: pea gravel
- Density estimate: 1.4 tons per cubic yard
- Extra material allowance: 10%
Step-by-step Calculation
Area = 3 x 20 = 60 sq ft. Depth in feet = 3 / 12 = 0.25 ft.
Cubic feet = 60 x 0.25 = 15 cu ft. Cubic yards = 15 / 27 = 0.56 cu yd.
Tons = 0.56 x 1.4 = 0.78 tons. With 10% extra, plan for about 0.62 cu yd and 0.86 tons.
Practical Buying Notes
A small gravel walkway often needs edging to keep the gravel from spreading into lawn or planting beds.
If the ground is soft, consider a compacted base layer and landscape fabric depending on the project. Pea gravel is smooth, while crushed stone locks together more firmly.
Common Mistakes
Walkways need containment and a stable base more than decorative beds do.
- Skipping edging.
- Using too shallow a layer.
- Forgetting the base layer.
- Choosing round gravel for a slope.
- Not checking supplier weight conversions.
| Item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Area | 60 sq ft |
| Depth | 3 inches |
| Volume | 15 cu ft |
| Cubic yards | 0.56 cu yd |
| Estimated tons | 0.78 tons |
| Cubic yards with 10% extra | 0.62 cu yd |
| Tons with 10% extra | 0.86 tons |
Related Calculator
Planning toolGravel CalculatorEstimate walkway gravel with your own length, width, depth, and material density.FAQ
How deep should gravel be for a walkway?+
Around 2-3 inches is common for decorative walking areas, but deeper layers or a base may be needed for stability.
Is pea gravel good for walkways?+
Pea gravel can be comfortable underfoot, but it moves more than angular crushed stone. Edging helps keep it in place.
How much extra gravel should I order?+
Five to 10% extra is common for small projects with edges, curves, or uneven ground.