Side by side
| Pea Gravel | River Rock | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight per cubic yard | 2,600 lb (1.30 t) | 2,800 lb (1.40 t) |
| Cubic yards per ton | 0.77 | 0.71 |
| Sq ft per ton at 3 in | 83 | 77 |
| Average price | $28–$45/ton, $29–$86/yd³ | $45–$130/ton, $50–$160/yd³ |
Weights and prices from the sources listed below.
Site Prep warns that round river gravel does not tamp down and is not suitable under a foundation; both are rounded stone (Hello Gravel describes pea gravel as 3/8- to 3/4-inch rounded stones), so use them for paths and beds rather than structural bases.
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 2.59 tons of river rock.
Common questions
Which is heavier, pea gravel or river rock?
River Rock at about 1.40 tons per cubic yard, against 1.30.
Sources
- https://www.siteprep.com/gravel-bases-for-hot-tubs/
- https://new.siteprep.com/?p=553
- https://hellogravel.com/projects/garden-path/
- https://hellogravel.com/guides/2025-gravel-prices-per-ton-delivered-cost-calculator-and-regional-rates/
- https://homeguide.com/costs/gravel-prices