Types of gravel and what to use them for
Quarry names like "#57" and "crusher run" confuse almost everyone. Here's what the common types are, how they behave and which one to order for your project.
On this page
Two big families: clean stone and stone with fines
Clean (washed) stone is screened to a range of sizes with the dust removed. Water drains through it easily, but it doesn't bind into a solid surface. Dense-graded stone contains a mix of sizes down to dust ("fines"); when it's compacted, the fines fill the gaps and it packs hard — ideal for bases, but it drains more slowly.
Common types
| Type | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| #57 stone | Clean crushed stone, roughly ½ to 1 in | Drainage, French drains, under slabs, middle layer of driveways |
| #3 stone | Larger clean crushed stone, roughly 1 to 2 in | Base layer of driveways, stabilizing muddy areas |
| #8 / #89 | Small clean stone, about ⅜ in | Paver base in permeable systems, pipe bedding |
| #411 | #57 stone blended with stone dust | Driveway surface, walkways that pack firm |
| Crusher run (road base, ABC, "¾ minus") | Crushed stone from about ¾ in down to dust | Compacted base under pavers, slabs and driveways |
| Pea gravel | Small rounded stones, about ⅜ in | Paths, play areas, dog runs — soft and comfortable, but it shifts |
| River rock | Larger rounded stones, 1 to 3 in or more | Decorative beds, dry creek beds, around downspouts |
| Decomposed granite | Fine weathered granite with fines | Natural-looking paths and patios that compact firm |
Numbered sizes follow the ASTM/AASHTO gradation system; exact ranges vary a little by quarry and state. Local names differ, so describe the job to your supplier.
Angular vs. rounded
Crushed stone has sharp, angular faces that lock together under load — that's why it's used for driveways and bases. Rounded stone like pea gravel and river rock rolls under your feet and tires. It's pleasant to walk on and looks natural, but it needs edging to keep it in place and isn't suitable as a structural base.
Choosing for common projects
- Driveway: larger stone or crusher run for the base, #57 in the middle, #411 or crusher run on top — see the gravel driveway guide.
- Paver patio base: crusher run / road base compacted in lifts, with bedding sand on top.
- French drain or drainage trench: clean #57 stone wrapped in filter fabric.
- Garden path: decomposed granite or #411 for a firm surface; pea gravel for a softer, looser one.
- Decorative bed: river rock or colored stone over landscape fabric.
How much to order
Measure the area, choose the depth and use the gravel calculator. Gravel is sold by the ton or by the cubic yard; a yard of crushed stone typically weighs about 1.4 to 1.7 tons, while rounded stone is a little lighter. The yards-to-tons guide explains the conversion.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between #57 and #411 gravel?
#57 is clean stone that drains freely; #411 is #57 mixed with stone dust, so it compacts into a firm surface.
What gravel is best for a driveway top layer?
An angular stone with fines — such as #411 or crusher run — that packs firm. Pea gravel and river rock shift under tires.
Is crusher run the same as road base?
Usually, yes — along with names like ABC (aggregate base course), ¾ minus and dense-graded aggregate. Specifications vary by region.