Number 57 Stone: Size, Weight, Uses, and Coverage
Number 57 stone is a clean crushed stone graded so most pieces fall roughly between 1/2 inch and 1 inch, with very little fine material. Because it has no fines, it drains freely and does not compact into a hard, solid layer the way dense-graded base does. It is widely used for drainage, French drains, under sheds, as a top layer on driveways, as concrete aggregate, and as the open-graded base for permeable pavers. It weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, so one ton covers roughly 100 square feet at 2 inches deep.
Volume and tonnage calculator →Size and gradation
The number comes from standard aggregate size designations used by state highway departments and ASTM. Size 57 passes a 1 1/2-inch sieve, with most material between about 1 inch and 1/2 inch and only a small amount under 1/4 inch. Exact limits vary slightly by state specification.
| Stone | Approx. size | Fines |
|---|---|---|
| #57 | 1/2 to 1 inch | Very few |
| #8 | 3/8 to 1/2 inch | Very few |
| #3 | 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches | Very few |
| Dense-graded base | Up to 1 inch plus fines | Many |
See number 8 stone for the smaller clean size.
Weight and coverage
| Measure | Approx. |
|---|---|
| Weight per cubic yard | 2,400 to 2,800 lb |
| Coverage per ton at 2 in | about 100 sq ft |
| Coverage per ton at 3 in | about 65 sq ft |
| Coverage per ton at 4 in | about 50 sq ft |
Weight varies with rock type; granite and trap rock are heavier than some limestones. Use the asphalt base calculator or see how much does a ton of gravel cover.
Common uses
- Drainage: French drains, behind retaining walls, around foundation drains.
- Driveways: a top or middle layer; it can roll under tires without a binder.
- Sheds and pads: a free-draining base.
- Concrete aggregate: a common coarse aggregate size.
- Permeable pavers: open-graded base and bedding layers.
Limits of #57
Because it lacks fines, #57 does not lock tightly. Used alone on a driveway, it can shift and rut, especially on slopes. Many driveways use dense-graded base below and #57 or a smaller clean stone on top. See crushed stone vs gravel.
Compaction
#57 settles and nests when compacted but never becomes as firm as base with fines. A plate compactor helps settle it, especially under pavers or slabs.
Compared with millings
Asphalt millings are another driveway option that binds together over time. See asphalt millings vs 57 stone.
Bottom line
Number 57 stone is clean crushed stone about 1/2 to 1 inch with few fines, weighing about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. It drains very well and is used for drainage, driveways, slabs, and permeable pavers, but it does not lock as tightly as dense-graded base. One ton covers about 100 square feet at 2 inches.
Questions people ask
What size is 57 stone?
Mostly between about 1/2 inch and 1 inch.
How much does a yard of 57 stone weigh?
About 2,400 to 2,800 pounds, depending on rock type.
Is 57 stone good for a driveway?
It works as a top or middle layer but can shift without a dense base below.
Does 57 stone compact?
It settles but does not lock as tightly as stone with fines.
Related guides
- Asphalt Millings vs #57 Stone
- #8 Stone: Size, Uses, and Weight per Yard
- Crushed Stone vs Gravel: Differences and Best Uses
- How Much Does a Ton of Gravel Cover? Depth Chart
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