A yard of pea gravel usually weighs about 2,400 to 2,800 pounds. This is the weight of one cubic yard of pea gravel. It is roughly equal to 1.2 to 1.4 tons.
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What is a Yard of Pea Gravel?
A “yard” in this case means a cubic yard. A cubic yard is a measure of space. It is like a box that is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet tall. This big box holds one cubic yard of material. When people talk about buying gravel or soil by the yard, they mean by the cubic yard. So, how much does gravel weigh per yard means how much does it weigh per cubic yard.
Pea Gravel is Popular
Pea gravel is a type of gravel. It has small, round stones. The stones are about the size of a pea. That’s why it’s called pea gravel. It is smooth. It comes in different colors like grey, tan, brown, and white. People use it a lot for landscaping. They put it in gardens, on paths, or under play areas. Knowing the pea gravel weight per cubic yard is important for projects.
Why the Weight Changes
The weight of one cubic yard of pea gravel is not always exactly the same. It can change a little bit. Different things make the weight different. The main reasons are how much water is in it and how tightly it is packed. We call how tightly packed it is its density. The density of pea gravel is not a single fixed number. This density affects the cubic yard of gravel weight.
Average Weight: A Closer Look
Most of the time, you can plan for a cubic yard of pea gravel to weigh around 2,500 pounds. This is a good average number to use for planning. But remember, it can be a little less or a little more. The range of 2,400 to 2,800 pounds is common. This range tells you the typical pea gravel weight per cubic yard. It helps you guess the total weight of landscaping gravel you need.
Why Moisture Matters
Water makes things heavier. This is true for pea gravel too. Dry pea gravel weighs less than wet pea gravel. If it just rained, the pea gravel will be heavier. The stones hold onto water. The water fills the spaces between the stones. This adds weight. So, the weight of one cubic yard of pea gravel goes up when it’s wet.
Packing Affects Weight
How the gravel sits also changes its weight per volume. If the gravel is loose, it has more air spaces. If it is packed down tight, it has fewer air spaces. When it is packed tight, more actual stone is in the cubic yard. This makes the cubic yard of gravel weight higher. The density of pea gravel changes with how it’s packed.
Other Factors Affecting Weight
While moisture and packing are big reasons, a few other things can slightly change the weight.
Where the Stone Comes From
Pea gravel comes from different stone types. The type of stone can change its natural density. Some stone is naturally heavier than other stone. For example, crushed granite might be heavier than crushed limestone. Pea gravel is made from these types of stones. So, the original stone type adds a small change to the pea gravel weight per cubic yard.
Size and Shape of Stones
Even though pea gravel is sorted by size, the stones are not perfectly the same. Some might be slightly bigger or smaller. The shape can also vary slightly. This changes how they fit together. How they fit together affects the spaces between them. Fewer spaces means more stone in the same volume. This changes the weight of one cubic yard of pea gravel.
Comparing Pea Gravel Weight
It helps to know how heavy pea gravel is compared to other things.
- Sand: Sand is often heavier than pea gravel. A cubic yard of sand might weigh 2,700 to 3,100 pounds. Sand particles are smaller and pack together tighter.
- Topsoil: Topsoil is usually lighter than pea gravel. A cubic yard of dry topsoil might weigh 1,800 to 2,200 pounds. Wet soil is much heavier.
- Mulch: Wood mulch is much lighter. A cubic yard of mulch can weigh only 400 to 800 pounds. Mulch is light and fluffy.
- Concrete: Concrete is very heavy. A cubic yard of mixed wet concrete weighs around 4,000 pounds.
Knowing the weight of landscaping gravel helps you compare materials.
Why Knowing the Weight Matters
Knowing the weight of pea gravel is important for many reasons.
Planning Your Project
You need to know how much material you need. You figure out the area and depth of your project. This tells you the volume in cubic feet or cubic yards. Then, knowing the weight helps you plan the next steps. For example, how you will move it.
Transporting the Gravel
Gravel is heavy. You can’t just pick up a cubic yard. You need a truck or trailer. Vehicles have weight limits. You must know the weight of the gravel to pick the right truck or trailer. Overloading a vehicle is dangerous and against the law. If you buy several cubic yards, the total weight adds up fast. Three cubic yards of pea gravel could weigh over 7,500 pounds. That’s a lot of weight!
Cost Calculations
Sometimes gravel is sold by the ton instead of by the yard. You need to know how many tons are in a cubic yard. This is related to the tons per cubic yard gravel figure. If a yard is 2,500 pounds and there are 2,000 pounds in a ton, then a yard is 2500 / 2000 = 1.25 tons. So, knowing the weight helps you compare prices if one place sells by the yard and another by the ton.
Structural Loads
If you are putting pea gravel on a deck, a roof, or over an underground pipe, you need to know the weight. Heavy materials add load to structures. Knowing the pea gravel weight per cubic yard helps you figure out the total load. This is important for safety.
Getting the Volume Right
Before you can figure out the weight, you need to figure out how much pea gravel you need by volume. This means calculating the cubic yards.
Measuring Your Area
First, measure the area where you want to put the gravel.
* For a square or rectangle area: Measure the length and the width. Multiply length times width to get the area in square feet.
* For a circle area: Measure the distance across the middle (diameter). Divide by 2 to get the radius. Multiply pi (about 3.14) times the radius times the radius (Area = π * r * r).
* For odd shapes: Break the shape into smaller squares, rectangles, and circles. Calculate the area of each part. Add them up.
Determining the Depth
Next, decide how deep you want the pea gravel layer to be. This is usually measured in inches. Common depths for pea gravel are 2 to 4 inches.
Calculating Cubic Feet
You need to change your measurements to feet. Your length and width are already in feet. Your depth is in inches. To change inches to feet, divide the number of inches by 12.
* Example: If your depth is 3 inches, that is 3 / 12 = 0.25 feet.
Now, calculate the volume in cubic feet:
Volume (cubic feet) = Area (square feet) × Depth (feet)
* Example: Area is 100 square feet. Depth is 0.25 feet. Volume is 100 * 0.25 = 25 cubic feet.
Converting to Cubic Yards
Most gravel is sold by the cubic yard. There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard (3 feet * 3 feet * 3 feet = 27 cubic feet). To change cubic feet to cubic yards, divide the cubic feet volume by 27.
Volume (cubic yards) = Volume (cubic feet) / 27
* Example: You need 25 cubic feet. Volume is 25 / 27 = about 0.93 cubic yards.
Adding for Waste and Sinking
It is wise to order a little extra gravel. Some might get lost or spread too thin. It can also settle over time. Adding 10% extra is a good idea.
* Example: You need 0.93 cubic yards. Add 10% (0.093 cubic yards). Total needed is about 1.023 cubic yards. You would likely order 1.25 or 1.5 cubic yards depending on how the supplier sells it.
Using a Gravel Weight Calculator
Calculating volume and then estimating weight can be tricky. A gravel weight calculator is a helpful online tool.
How a Calculator Works
You put in the size of your area (length, width) and the depth you want the gravel. You also pick the type of material, like “pea gravel.” The calculator does the math for you. It figures out the volume in cubic yards. Then it uses a standard weight for that material per cubic yard to tell you the total weight. It might tell you the total weight in pounds or tons. Some calculators also tell you the tons per cubic yard gravel figure they used.
Benefits of Using a Calculator
- Saves Time: It does the math fast.
- Reduces Errors: Less chance of making a mistake in your calculations.
- Provides Weight Estimate: Gives you a good idea of the total weight, which helps with transport.
- Helps Compare Materials: Some calculators let you quickly see the weight difference between pea gravel, sand, or other materials for the same area. This is useful when thinking about the weight of landscaping gravel.
Just remember that the weight from a calculator is an estimate. The actual weight might be a little different because of moisture levels.
Different Ways Gravel is Sold
Gravel can be sold in a few ways. This relates to the weight of landscaping gravel.
By the Cubic Yard
This is very common for larger amounts. You order 1 yard, 5 yards, etc. You pay for the volume. The supplier knows the average weight per cubic yard. They use this to plan delivery truck loads. We know the typical cubic yard of gravel weight is 2,400 to 2,800 pounds for pea gravel.
By the Ton
For very large projects or at some quarries, gravel is sold by weight. You buy 1 ton, 10 tons, etc. You pay for the weight on a scale. This is why knowing the tons per cubic yard gravel number is useful. If pea gravel is 1.25 tons per cubic yard, and you need 5 cubic yards, that’s 5 * 1.25 = 6.25 tons.
In Bags
For small projects, you can buy pea gravel in bags. These are much easier to handle than a cubic yard.
Pea Gravel Bag Weight
Bag sizes vary. Common sizes are 0.5 cubic feet or 1 cubic foot bags.
* A 0.5 cubic foot bag weighs around 40 to 50 pounds.
* A 1 cubic foot bag weighs around 80 to 100 pounds.
To relate this to a cubic yard: There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard.
* If a 1 cubic foot bag is 90 pounds, then 27 of these bags make one cubic yard. The total weight would be 27 * 90 = 2,430 pounds. This is within the typical range for the weight of one cubic yard of pea gravel.
* Knowing the cubic foot of pea gravel weight (like 80-100 pounds per cubic foot) helps you figure out how many bags you need for a certain volume. It also helps you see the total weight if you buy many bags.
Pea Gravel Bulk Bag Weight
Some suppliers offer gravel in large “bulk bags” or “super sacks.” These bags are much bigger than the small bags you buy at a store.
* A common size for a bulk bag is one cubic yard. The pea gravel bulk bag weight for this size is about 2,400 to 2,800 pounds, just like a loose cubic yard.
* Other bulk bags might hold less, like half a cubic yard, or be sold by weight, like a 1-ton bag (2,000 pounds).
* These bulk bags are convenient but require heavy equipment like a forklift or machine to move them.
Planning for Delivery
Once you know how much pea gravel you need and its weight, you can plan for delivery.
Delivery Truck Size
Delivery companies have different trucks. Smaller trucks might carry 3-5 cubic yards (around 7,500 – 14,000 pounds). Larger trucks can carry 10-15 cubic yards or more (up to 30,000+ pounds). Knowing the total cubic yard of gravel weight helps the supplier send the right truck.
Where They Can Dump
Gravel trucks are heavy. They need a solid place to drive and dump. They cannot drive over septic systems, weak driveways, or soft ground. Plan where the truck can safely access your property and dump the heavy load of landscaping gravel. The total weight can crack pavement or sink into grass.
Spreading the Gravel
Once the gravel is dumped, you need to move it. A cubic yard is a big pile! You will need shovels, wheelbarrows, and rakes. Moving 2,500 pounds of gravel by hand is hard work. Break it down into smaller wheelbarrow loads. Each wheelbarrow load might be a few hundred pounds.
DIY vs. Hiring Help
Knowing the weight might help you decide if it’s a DIY job or if you need to hire help.
DIY Project
For small areas needing only 1-2 cubic yards, you might manage yourself. You can have it dumped close to the project area or buy bags. Moving 2,500 to 5,000 pounds of gravel is a big task but doable for one person over a weekend.
Hiring Professionals
For larger projects requiring many cubic yards, the sheer weight makes it tough for one person. Hiring a landscaper or contractor is often better. They have the tools and crew to move large amounts of heavy landscaping gravel quickly and efficiently. They handle the bulk bag weight or loose delivery and spreading.
Figuring Out Density
We talked about density affecting weight. The density of pea gravel is its weight per unit of volume.
Average density is around 2,500 pounds per cubic yard.
To find density: Density = Weight / Volume.
If you had exactly one cubic yard that weighed 2,500 pounds, its density is 2,500 pounds/cubic yard.
Density can also be shown in other units, like pounds per cubic foot. Since there are 27 cubic feet in a yard, 2,500 pounds / 27 cubic feet is about 92.6 pounds per cubic foot. This aligns with the cubic foot of pea gravel weight range we discussed for bags.
Why Accurate Weight Matters for Large Projects
For small home projects, an estimate is usually fine. If you are off by 100 pounds on one yard, it’s not a disaster. But for big construction or landscaping jobs, accurate weight is very important.
Engineering and Planning
Engineers need precise weight calculations. They design retaining walls, drainage systems, or foundations. The weight of gravel fill material adds load. They must know the tons per cubic yard gravel figure accurately for their designs to be safe.
Material Orders
Ordering the correct amount by weight or volume saves money. You don’t want to pay for too much and have waste. You also don’t want to order too little and stop work waiting for more. Accurate weight estimates based on the cubic yard of gravel weight help project managers order precisely.
Logistics and Equipment
Heavy equipment like excavators or bobcats have lifting limits. Trucks have hauling limits. Knowing the weight of pea gravel helps choose the right machinery and plan how many truckloads are needed. This impacts the cost and schedule of the project. The total weight of landscaping gravel is a key factor here.
Storage of Pea Gravel
Where you store the pea gravel matters. A large pile of heavy material can sink into soft ground. It can block access. It’s best to have it dumped close to where it will be used, but in a spot that can handle the weight. Consider putting down a tarp first if you want to keep the area clean after the gravel is moved.
Different Types of Gravel
While this post focuses on pea gravel, other types of gravel have different weights. Crushed stone, for example, has sharp, angular pieces. These pieces interlock more than round pea gravel stones. This can affect how it compacts and its density. The exact weight of landscaping gravel changes based on the type and size of the stone, not just the volume. For example, 3/4 inch crushed stone might weigh slightly more or less per cubic yard than pea gravel due to void space differences, even if the base rock density is the same.
Environmental Factors
Rain is the main environmental factor changing the weight. But temperature can also play a small role by slightly changing the volume of materials, although this is usually tiny for stone compared to expansion/contraction in other materials. The source quarry’s environmental conditions can also affect how dry or wet the gravel is when shipped.
Calculating Cost
If gravel is sold by the yard, you know the cost per cubic yard. If sold by the ton, you know the cost per ton. To compare costs, you need the tons per cubic yard gravel figure.
Cost per yard = Cost per ton * Tons per cubic yard
Cost per ton = Cost per yard / Tons per cubic yard
Let’s say pea gravel costs $40 per cubic yard. The average weight is 1.25 tons per cubic yard.
Cost per ton = $40 / 1.25 tons = $32 per ton.
If another supplier sells it for $35 per ton, which is cheaper? $32/ton is cheaper than $35/ton. Knowing the weight lets you compare “apples to apples.”
The Importance of Measurement Accuracy
When measuring your project area and depth, be as accurate as possible. Small errors in measurement can lead to ordering too much or too little. An extra inch of depth over a large area adds up to many cubic feet and hundreds of pounds, significantly increasing the cubic yard of gravel weight total.
Working with Your Supplier
Talk to your gravel supplier. They can tell you the average weight per cubic yard they use. They can also tell you if their gravel is stored wet or dry. They can advise on how many cubic yards their trucks can carry. This helps ensure a smooth delivery of the correct amount of heavy landscaping gravel.
Summary of Key Points
- A cubic yard of pea gravel usually weighs 2,400 to 2,800 pounds.
- The average weight is about 2,500 pounds or 1.25 tons per cubic yard.
- Water makes it heavier (wet vs. dry weight).
- How it is packed affects its density and weight.
- You need to calculate the volume needed in cubic yards first.
- Knowing the weight helps with transport, cost, and planning.
- A gravel weight calculator can help estimate volume and weight.
- Gravel is sold by the yard, ton, or in bags (where pea gravel bulk bag weight and cubic foot of pea gravel weight are relevant).
- Tons per cubic yard gravel relates volume and weight for pricing.
- Delivery requires planning for the heavy load.
- The weight of landscaping gravel varies by type of material.
Knowing the pea gravel weight per cubic yard is a key step in any project using this material. It moves you from guessing to planning with solid numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
h4> How much does a ton of pea gravel cover?
A ton of pea gravel is about 2,000 pounds. A cubic yard is about 1.25 tons or 2,500 pounds. So, a ton of pea gravel is less than a cubic yard. It’s about 1 / 1.25 = 0.8 cubic yards. To figure out the area it covers, you need to know the depth. If you spread it 3 inches deep (0.25 feet), 0.8 cubic yards is 0.8 * 27 = 21.6 cubic feet. This covers an area of 21.6 cubic feet / 0.25 feet depth = 86.4 square feet.
h4> Is pea gravel heavier than sand?
Usually, a cubic yard of sand is heavier than a cubic yard of pea gravel. Sand particles are smaller and pack tighter, reducing air space. The density of pea gravel is often less than the density of sand when comparing the same volume.
h4> How much does a 50lb bag of pea gravel contain?
A 50-pound bag contains about 0.5 to 0.6 cubic feet of pea gravel. A cubic foot of pea gravel weighs around 80-100 pounds. So, a 50lb bag is roughly half a cubic foot.
h4> How many wheelbarrows are in a yard of gravel?
A standard wheelbarrow holds about 3 cubic feet. A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. So, a cubic yard of gravel is roughly 27 / 3 = 9 wheelbarrow loads. Keep in mind wheelbarrows vary in size, and loading them full of heavy gravel is hard work!
h4> Does wet pea gravel weigh more than dry?
Yes, absolutely. Water fills the spaces between the stones. This added water weight makes wet pea gravel much heavier than the same volume of dry pea gravel.
h4> Can I pick up a cubic yard of pea gravel in my pickup truck?
Maybe, but you must check your truck’s weight limit. A cubic yard weighs 2,400 to 2,800 pounds. Many standard half-ton pickup trucks (F-150, Silverado 1500, Ram 1500) have payload limits around 1,000 to 2,000 pounds. A three-quarter ton truck (F-250, Silverado 2500) might handle 2,000 to 4,000 pounds. So, one cubic yard is often too heavy for a half-ton truck and might be close to the limit for a three-quarter ton truck. Always check your truck’s specific payload capacity.
h4> Is the weight the same for all types of gravel?
No. The weight of landscaping gravel changes based on the type of rock it comes from and the size and shape of the pieces. For example, crushed granite might be heavier per cubic yard than crushed limestone or lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA).
h4> What does “tons per cubic yard gravel” mean?
This is a number that tells you how many tons one cubic yard of a specific type of gravel weighs. For pea gravel, this is typically 1.2 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard. It’s used to convert between volume (cubic yards) and weight (tons).
h4> How does compaction affect the weight I receive?
When you buy a cubic yard, the supplier measures it by volume. If the gravel is very loose when measured, it might settle and become more compact after delivery. This means the pile might look smaller, but the total weight is still the same. However, if they sell by weight (tons), you get the exact weight you pay for regardless of how loose or compact it is. The initial density of pea gravel in the truck matters for volume measurement.
h4> Is pea gravel sold by the cubic foot?
Usually not in bulk. Bulk gravel is sold by the cubic yard or ton. Small amounts are sold in bags which are measured in cubic feet (like 0.5 or 1 cubic foot bags). Knowing the cubic foot of pea gravel weight helps figure out bag contents and compare to bulk prices.