Side by side
| Pea Gravel | Crushed Stone | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight per cubic yard | 2,600 lb (1.30 t) | 3,000 lb (1.50 t) |
| Cubic yards per ton | 0.77 | 0.67 |
| Sq ft per ton at 3 in | 83 | 72 |
| Average price | $28–$45/ton, $29–$86/yd³ | $10–$50/ton, $15–$75/yd³ |
Weights and prices from the sources listed below.
Crushed stone is angular, so it locks together when compacted; Site Prep builds shed and hot tub pads from 3/4-inch crushed stone and says round river gravel will not tamp down properly.
Hello Gravel's path guide suggests 2 to 3 inches of pea gravel for light traffic and 3 to 4 inches of crushed stone for heavier use.
Working it out
Cubic yards = area × depth ÷ 324 (sq ft and inches). Tons = cubic yards × weight per cubic yard.
For 200 sq ft at 3 inches, both need 1.85 cubic yards: 2.41 tons of pea gravel or 2.78 tons of crushed stone.
Common questions
Which is heavier, pea gravel or crushed stone?
Crushed Stone at about 1.50 tons per cubic yard, against 1.30.
Sources
- https://www.siteprep.com/gravel-bases-for-hot-tubs/
- https://hellogravel.com/guides/how-much-aggregate-do-i-need-for-a-garden-path/
- https://hellogravel.com/guides/2025-gravel-prices-per-ton-delivered-cost-calculator-and-regional-rates/
- https://homeguide.com/costs/gravel-prices