Side by side
| Pea Gravel | Mulch | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight per cubic yard | 2,600 lb (1.30 t) | 506 lb (0.25 t) |
| Cubic yards per ton | 0.77 | 3.95 |
| Sq ft per ton at 3 in | 83 | 427 |
| Average price | $28–$45/ton, $29–$86/yd³ | $50–$150/yd³ |
Weights and prices from the sources listed below.
CPSC's minimum compressed loose-fill depths: 9 inches of pea gravel protects to a 5 ft fall; 9 inches of wood mulch protects to 7 ft; 9 inches of wood chips to 10 ft. CPSC recommends installing 12 inches.
Working it out
Cubic yards = area × depth ÷ 324 (sq ft and inches). Tons = cubic yards × weight per cubic yard.
For 200 sq ft at 12 inches, both need 7.41 cubic yards: 9.63 tons of pea gravel or 1.87 tons of mulch.
Common questions
Which is heavier, pea gravel or mulch?
Pea Gravel at about 1.30 tons per cubic yard, against 0.25.
Sources
- https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/sites/default/files/2023-01/fn1374.pdf
- https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/pdfs/blk_media_325.pdf
- https://hellogravel.com/guides/2025-gravel-prices-per-ton-delivered-cost-calculator-and-regional-rates/
- https://www.thecalculatorsite.com/articles/units/how-much-cubic-yard-weigh.php
- https://homeguide.com/costs/gravel-prices
- https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/landscape/deliver-soil-mulch-or-rocks