How Much Does a Yard of Pea Gravel Weigh?
How much does a yard of pea gravel weigh? A cubic yard of dry pea gravel typically weighs about 2,600 to 2,900 pounds, or roughly 1.3 to 1.45 tons. Many suppliers use about 1.4 tons per yard for estimating. Wet pea gravel can weigh noticeably more because water fills the spaces between the stones. Since pea gravel is sold by the ton at many yards and by the yard at others, knowing the conversion helps you order the right amount and avoid overloading a truck.
Volume and tonnage calculator →Weight by measure
| Measure | Approx. weight |
|---|---|
| 1 cubic foot | about 95 to 107 lb |
| 1 cubic yard | about 2,600 to 2,900 lb |
| 1/2 cubic yard | about 1,300 to 1,450 lb |
| 0.5 cubic foot bag | about 50 lb |
Pea gravel is rounded, usually 1/4 to 3/8 inch, and its weight depends on the rock type and moisture. River-washed stone with quartz and granite runs near the high end.
Coverage per yard
| Depth | Approx. coverage per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| 2 in | about 160 sq ft |
| 3 in | about 108 sq ft |
| 4 in | about 81 sq ft |
Patios and paths usually use 2 to 3 inches of pea gravel over a firm base. Playground surfacing needs far more depth. See pea gravel patio.
Can my truck carry a yard?
A half-ton pickup often has a payload around 1,500 to 2,000 pounds, which may be less than one full yard of pea gravel. Many yards suggest a half yard for small pickups. Check the payload sticker on the door jamb, and remember that passengers and tools count too. See how much gravel can a half-ton pickup carry.
Bags vs bulk
Bagged pea gravel commonly comes in 0.5 cubic foot bags, so a cubic yard is about 54 bags. Bags are convenient for small jobs but cost much more per yard than bulk. Above about half a yard, bulk delivery is usually cheaper.
Wet vs dry
Rain or a washed stockpile can add a few percent to the weight. If you are paying by the ton at a scale, wet stone costs a bit more per cubic foot. If you are hauling, plan on the higher number.
Pea gravel in driveways
Pea gravel rolls under tires and is better for paths and patios than driveways unless you use a stabilizing grid. See pea gravel driveway and gravel weight per yard for other materials.
Ordering tips
Measure length times width, multiply by depth in feet, and divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Multiply by 1.4 for tons. Add about 5 to 10 percent for uneven ground. The asphalt base calculator can do the math.
Bottom line
A cubic yard of pea gravel weighs about 2,600 to 2,900 pounds, roughly 1.4 tons, and more when wet. One yard covers about 108 square feet at 3 inches. A half-ton pickup may only carry about half a yard safely, so check payload or order delivery.
Questions people ask
How many tons is a yard of pea gravel?
About 1.3 to 1.45 tons; 1.4 is a common estimate.
How many bags of pea gravel make a yard?
About 54 bags of 0.5 cubic feet.
How much area does a yard of pea gravel cover?
About 108 square feet at 3 inches deep.
Can a pickup carry a yard of pea gravel?
Many half-ton pickups cannot carry a full yard safely.
Related guides
- Pea Gravel Patio: How to Build One and What It Costs
- Pea Gravel Driveway: Pros, Cons and How Many Tons
- How Much Does a Yard of Gravel Weigh? Tons per Yard by Stone Type
- How Much Gravel Can a Half-Ton Pickup Carry?
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