The short answer
Pea gravel is small, round stone (about 3/8 in). It feels soft to walk on and looks good, but because the stones are round they roll and shift. Crushed stone (such as #57 or crusher run) is angular, so the pieces lock together and stay put, which makes it much firmer.
| Pea gravel | Crushed stone | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Round, smooth | Angular, sharp edges |
| Feels like | Loose, soft, crunchy | Firm, compacts well |
| Weight per cubic yard | ≈2,600 lb (1.3 tons) | ≈2,700 lb (1.35 tons) |
| Good for | Patios, play areas, dog runs, between stepping stones | Driveways, paver base, shed pads, drainage |
| Weak spot | Migrates, hard to push a wheelbarrow through | Less pleasant barefoot, looks more industrial |
Which one for your project
- Driveway: crushed stone. Pea gravel ruts under car tires.
- Base under pavers or a shed: crushed stone (crusher run or #57). Pea gravel won't compact.
- Garden path: either. Pea gravel looks softer but needs a solid edging. Crushed stone or decomposed granite is easier to walk and wheel on.
- Patio seating area or fire pit: pea gravel is the classic choice, 2–3 in deep over landscape fabric, with edging.
- French drain: clean washed crushed stone (#57) is standard. Both drain, but angular stone stays in place.
How deep and how much
For pea gravel, use 2–3 in for patios and paths. For crushed stone on a driveway, use 4–6 in over a compacted base. The volume formula is the same for both: length × width × depth in inches ÷ 324 = cubic yards. A 10 × 12 ft patio at 3 in is 10 × 12 × 3 ÷ 324 ≈ 1.1 cubic yards, which is about 1.5 tons of pea gravel.
Use the pea gravel calculator or the gravel calculator to get yards, tons and bags for your own space.
Cost
The two cost about the same per ton at most yards. Pea gravel is sometimes a little more because it's screened and washed. Bagged gravel (0.5 cu ft bags) costs several times more than bulk, so for anything over about one cubic yard, bulk delivery is usually cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put pea gravel over crushed stone?
Yes. A popular combination is 3–4 in of compacted crushed stone for a firm base, with 1–2 in of pea gravel on top. It's firmer underfoot and the pea gravel moves less.
Does pea gravel need landscape fabric?
Fabric under pea gravel helps keep weeds down and stops the stone sinking into soil. Use edging too, or the gravel will spread into lawns and beds.
Is pea gravel good for a driveway?
Not on its own. Round stones roll under tires and form ruts. Crushed stone, which locks together, is the standard driveway gravel.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14. Figures are typical averages; confirm with your local supplier.