Side by side
| Sand | Pea Gravel | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight per cubic yard | 2,620 lb (1.31 t) | 2,600 lb (1.30 t) |
| Cubic yards per ton | 0.76 | 0.77 |
| Sq ft per ton at 3 in | 82 | 83 |
| Average price | $15–$50/yd³ | $28–$45/ton, $29–$86/yd³ |
Weights and prices from the sources listed below.
CPSC's minimum compressed loose-fill depths: 9 inches of sand protects to a 4 ft fall and 9 inches of pea gravel to 5 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: 9.70 tons of sand or 9.63 tons of pea gravel.
Common questions
Which is heavier, sand or pea gravel?
Sand at about 1.31 tons per cubic yard, against 1.30.
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://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/dirt-mud-densities-d_1727.html
- https://hellogravel.com/guides/2025-gravel-prices-per-ton-delivered-cost-calculator-and-regional-rates/
- https://homeguide.com/costs/fill-dirt-sand-topsoil-cost
- https://homeguide.com/costs/gravel-prices