#57 vs #67 Crushed Stone: What’s the Real Difference?

The short answer

The main difference is fines: #57 is clean ¾–1 inch stone that drains freely; #67 is ¾ inch and smaller with dust that compacts tightly. Use #57 for drainage and backfill, #67 for a solid base under pavers, concrete, or driveways.

Key takeaways

Drainage first: #57 stone lets water pass through quickly.:
Compaction strength: #67 stone packs down hard and stays put.:
Cost similar: Both run $25–$45 per ton delivered, as of 2025.:
Project match: Use #57 for French drains, #67 for paver bases.:

If you’re staring at a pile of rocks wondering whether to use #57 or #67 crushed stone, you’re not alone. The numbers refer to aggregate gradation, and picking the right one affects drainage, compaction, and longevity. This guide gives you the straight facts so you can order with confidence.

What Exactly Is the Difference Between #57 and #67 Stone?

The two sizes look similar, but their gradation (particle size and dust content) changes how they perform.

#57 stone is often called “clean stone.” It ranges from ¾ inch to 1 inch and contains no fine dust. This makes it excellent for drainage behind retaining walls and in French drains.
#67 stone is a blend of ¾ inch stones and smaller chips mixed with stone dust. The fines fill the gaps, so the material compacts tightly into a hard, stable base.
Both sizes come from quarried limestone, granite, or trap rock, but availability varies by region. Check with your local supplier.
If you need a rough estimate of tons, try the crushed stone calculator.

How Much #57 or #67 Stone Do I Need?

Estimating crushed stone is about area, depth, and compaction. One ton usually covers around 100 square feet at 2 inches deep.

Measure your project area in square feet (length × width). Multiply by the depth in inches, then divide by 324 to get cubic yards (or by 12 for cubic feet).
Compaction adds about 5–10% for #67 stone because the fines settle under pressure. For #57, waste factor is minimal since it doesn’t compact.
A 10×10 foot pad at 2 inches deep needs about 1.2 tons of stone. Use the gravel calculator to get exact numbers for your shape.
Always round up to the nearest half ton when ordering. Running short means another delivery fee.

What Do #57 and #67 Crushed Stone Cost?

Costs vary by region and supplier, but you can expect $25 to $45 per ton for both #57 and #67 stone, as of 2025.

Bulk delivery from a quarry or landscape supply is the most common. A full truckload (20–25 tons) often gets a better per-ton rate.
Bagged stone at home centers runs $4 to $7 per 0.5 cubic foot bag, which is much pricier for large jobs. Only practical for very small patches.
Delivery fees range from $50 to $150 depending on distance. Some suppliers include delivery within a 10-mile radius.
Use the crushed stone calculator to estimate total tons and avoid overpaying.

What Are Common Mistakes When Ordering Crushed Stone?

Even experienced weekend warriors mess up an aggregate order. Watch out for these pitfalls.

Skipping the measure: Always measure length × width in feet and the depth in inches. Guessing leads to short loads or wasted leftovers.
Forgetting compaction: #67 stone compacts up to 10% under a plate compactor, so order extra. #57 is nearly self-compacting.
Mixing up sizes: Ordering #57 for a paver base will leave you with a squishy, unstable surface. Always check the project requirements.
Not asking about fines: Some suppliers have similar-looking mixes, so confirm you’re getting clean stone or stone with fines.
Double-check your numbers with the gravel calculator.

Which Projects Call for #57 vs #67 Stone?

The right choice depends on whether you need drainage or compaction. Here’s a quick project breakdown.

#57 stone works best for: French drains, behind retaining walls, septic drain fields, foundation backfill, and decorative dry creek beds.
#67 stone is ideal for: Driveway surfaces, paver sub-bases, concrete slab base, patio stone bedding, and anywhere you need a hard, stable pack.
Some projects use both sizes: a layer of #57 for drainage underneath, topped with #67 for a compacted surface. This is common in heavily trafficked areas.
For a concrete driveway base, the concrete slab calculator can help you plan the whole project.

Should I Spread Crushed Stone Myself or Hire a Pro?

Spreading stone is physically demanding but doable for small to medium DIY jobs. For large areas, hiring a crew saves your back and time.

DIY fits: Small paths, a single French drain, garden beds, or a short driveway extension under 200 sq ft. You’ll need a wheelbarrow, shovel, and rake.
Pro recommended for: Whole driveways, heavy compaction, large retaining wall backfill, or anything over 5 tons. Pros have skid-steers and plate compactors.
Renting a plate compactor for $50–$80 a day is a smart middle ground if you’re comfortable running equipment.
Always call 811 before digging to check for underground utilities, no matter who does the work.
When you’re ready to estimate materials, the crushed stone calculator helps you order exactly what you need.

Drainage	Excellent (no fines)	Poor (fines trap water)
Size	¾–1 inch clean	¾ inch & down with dust
Compaction	Poor (doesn’t lock)	Excellent (packs tight)
Best Uses	French drains, backfill	Driveway base, paver base
Cost	$25–$45 per ton	$25–$45 per ton

Questions this page answers

What is #57 crushed stone used for?

#57 is a clean, ¾–1 inch stone without fines, making it ideal for drainage applications like French drains, behind retaining walls, under septic drain fields, and as backfill. It doesn’t compact well, so don’t use it as a surface layer on driveways.

Can I use #67 stone for a driveway?

Yes, #67 stone is a top choice for driveway surfaces because its mix of small stones and stone dust compacts into a hard, dense layer that resists shifting. It also works well as a base under concrete or asphalt.

Is #57 or #67 better for drainage?

#57 is better for drainage because it has no fines. Water flows freely through the open voids. #67, with its stone dust, holds water and compacts, making it poor for drainage but excellent for a solid base.

How thick should I spread #57 or #67 stone?

For most projects, a 2-inch depth is common for paths and small areas. Driveways need 4–6 inches. Always compact #67 in 2-inch lifts for the best results. For drainage with #57, a thicker layer just means more water storage.

Does #57 stone need to be compacted?

#57 stone is self-compacting under its own weight, so you don’t need heavy compaction. A light tamp or just driving over it with a tire is enough. However, it still settles slightly over time, so order a little extra.

How much is a cubic yard of #57 stone?

A cubic yard of #57 stone typically weighs about 1.4–1.5 tons and costs $35–$65 per cubic yard delivered, depending on location. This works out to roughly $25–$45 per ton, as of 2025. Prices vary, so get local quotes.

Can I mix #57 and #67 together?

It’s not standard, but some contractors create a hybrid by adding a small amount of stone dust to #57 to improve compaction while keeping some drainage. For most DIY jobs, stick with one or the other based on your primary need.

What’s the difference between #57 and #8 stone?

#8 stone is smaller, typically 3/8–½ inch, and is often used for concrete mixes or as a top dressing. #57 is larger and used for drainage. #8 drains almost as well as #57 but is more decorative due to its uniform size.

To sum up: #57 stone is clean and drains; #67 stone has fines and compacts. The key number to remember is 2 inches of depth per 100 square feet uses about 1.2 tons. For every project, start with the crushed stone calculator to get an accurate estimate and order with confidence.