3/4″ vs. 3/4″ Minus

3/4″ vs. 3/4″ Minus: What’s the Difference?

3/4″ gravel and 3/4″ minus are pretty much the same size, but 3/4″ minus includes more fines—smaller particles that fill in the gaps and help the material compact more tightly.
That difference makes 3/4″ minus ideal for building a solid base, while standard 3/4″ gravel is slightly better when drainage is the priority.

In this brief guide, we’ll compare them, outline their costs, and help you decide which one to choose for your project.

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3/4″ vs.

While both materials are roughly the same size, they perform differently depending on what’s in the mix and how you plan to use them. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Compaction
  3/4″ minus contains fines—tiny particles that help the material lock together and compact into a firm, stable base. It’s ideal for areas that need strength and structure, like patios, roadbeds, or under retaining walls.

• Drainage
  3/4″ gravel drains better because it contains little to no fines. The larger gaps between stones allow water to pass through more easily, making it a better choice for French drains, dry creek beds, or areas prone to runoff.

• Surface Texture
  3/4″ gravel tends to stay looser on the surface. 3/4″ minus, once compacted, becomes smoother and more solid underfoot. That can be helpful for walkways, driveways, or anywhere you want less shifting over time.

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Cost Considerations

In most areas, 3/4″ gravel and 3/4″ minus are priced similarly—especially when bought in bulk. You can expect to pay between $120 and $250 per ton delivered, depending on your location and how much you order.

The price difference usually comes down to:

• Availability in your region

• Distance from the supplier

• Order size

Keep in mind—not every supplier offers 3/4″ minus. Some may only carry standard 3/4″ gravel, depending on how their material is screened.

Since both are commonly used for base layers, their per-ton pricing is often close. Go with regular 3/4″ for better drainage, and minus when you need more solid compaction.

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Not Sure Which One to Use? We’re Here to Help.

Apart from the wide range of materials we deliver to your door, we’ve also built a few tools to make planning easier:

• Use our calculator to estimate how much material you’ll need

• Take our aggregate quiz to figure out the best material for your project

• Or reach out here if you’d rather talk to a real person

Whichever route you take, we’ll help you get it done right.