Gravel Size Chart with Pictures: Complete Guide to Types and Uses

Choosing the right gravel size can feel overwhelming when you’re staring at dozens of options at the supply yard. The wrong choice affects everything from drainage performance to how comfortable your driveway feels underfoot. This guide provides a clear gravel size chart with pictures and straightforward recommendations for every common project type.

You’ll find size measurements in both millimeters and inches, visual comparisons of popular gravel types, and specific guidance for driveways, walkways, drainage systems, and landscaping. Whether you need pea gravel for a garden path or crusher run for a driveway base, this visual reference helps you pick the right material the first time.

Quick Answer: For driveways, use 3/4-inch gravel as the top layer. For garden paths, choose pea gravel (2-8mm). For drainage, select clean 3/4-inch to 1-inch washed gravel.

Quick gravel size chart

Understanding gravel sizes starts with knowing the basic categories and their typical applications. This chart shows the most common gravel sizes you’ll encounter, along with their standard uses.

The size numbers like #57 and #4 refer to standard sieve sizes used in the industry. Smaller numbers actually mean larger stones, which can be confusing at first. A #57 stone passes through a 1-inch sieve but not a 3/4-inch sieve, making it roughly 3/4-inch in diameter. For a deeper dive into understanding the numbering system for gravel, you can explore how these industry standards work.

Understanding gravel measurements and classifications

Gravel sizes follow standardized measurements based on particle diameter. The construction industry typically uses millimeters for precision, while retail suppliers often list sizes in inches for easier customer understanding.

The International Organization for Standardization defines gravel as particles between 2mm and 63mm. Anything smaller becomes sand, while larger particles are classified as cobbles or boulders. This standardization helps ensure consistency when ordering materials for specific applications. To learn more about construction stone sizes and their applications, check out our comprehensive guide.

Most gravel falls into three main shape categories. Angular gravel comes from crushing larger rocks and has sharp edges that lock together well for stable surfaces. Rounded gravel forms naturally through water erosion and provides better drainage but less stability. Semi-angular gravel offers a middle ground between the two.

Pro Tip: Angular gravel compacts better for driveways, while rounded gravel drains faster for French drains and decorative applications.

Common gravel types by size

Pea gravel and fine aggregates

Pea gravel typically measures 2-8mm (roughly 1/8 to 5/16 inch) and gets its name from the pea-like size and rounded shape. These smooth stones work perfectly for areas where comfort matters, like garden paths or children’s play areas.

The rounded edges make pea gravel comfortable to walk on, even barefoot. It drains exceptionally well, preventing puddles after rain. However, the smooth surface means it can migrate over time without proper edging or containment.

Common applications include decorative garden beds, pathways between planted areas, around trees and shrubs, and as a base material under artificial turf. The variety of available colors, from natural earth tones to bright decorative options, makes pea gravel popular for landscaping projects.

Medium gravel for driveways

The 3/4-inch size range (often called #57 stone) represents the sweet spot for most residential driveways. These stones are large enough to create a stable surface that won’t shift under vehicle weight, yet small enough to provide reasonable comfort when walking.

This size compacts well while still allowing water to drain through, preventing the muddy conditions that plague driveways made with finer materials. The angular edges of crushed #57 stone lock together, creating a firm surface that resists rutting from repeated tire traffic.

For driveway applications, plan on a 2-3 inch depth of #57 stone over a properly prepared base. The base typically consists of larger crusher run material that provides the structural foundation for the surface layer. For more specific recommendations, our driveway stone size chart offers detailed guidance.

Crusher run and base materials

Crusher run contains a mixture of stone sizes from fine particles up to about 1.5 inches. This blend of sizes allows the material to compact into a very stable base layer that won’t shift or settle over time.

The fine particles fill the voids between larger stones, creating what engineers call a “well-graded” material. When properly compacted, crusher run becomes nearly as solid as concrete while still allowing some drainage.

Use crusher run as the foundation layer under driveways, walkways, patios, and shed pads. It typically goes down 4-6 inches thick, depending on soil conditions and expected loads. Always compact crusher run in 2-inch lifts for best results.

Large stones and riprap

Stones larger than 2.5 inches serve specialized purposes, primarily erosion control and decorative landscaping. Riprap, which ranges from 3 inches to over 12 inches, protects shorelines, steep slopes, and drainage channels from water damage.

These large stones resist movement from flowing water and provide long-term stability in challenging conditions. While not suitable for walking surfaces, they create dramatic visual impact in landscape design and solve serious drainage problems. Our guide on various sizes of stones explains how different stone dimensions serve different purposes.

Important Note: Large stones require professional installation for erosion control applications. Improper sizing or placement can actually worsen erosion problems.

Choosing the right size for your project

Driveways and parking areas

Successful driveways use a layered approach with different gravel sizes serving specific functions. The base layer typically consists of crusher run or similar well-graded material, while the surface layer uses uniformly sized stones for appearance and comfort.

For light residential use, a 3/4-inch surface over crusher run base works well. Heavy-duty applications or commercial driveways benefit from larger surface stones, up to 1.5 inches, which resist displacement from heavy vehicles.

Proper depth matters as much as stone size. Plan on 4-6 inches of base material plus 2-3 inches of surface gravel for most residential driveways. Poor soil conditions may require additional depth or geotextile fabric for stability.

Walkways and garden paths

Pedestrian areas prioritize comfort and appearance over load-bearing capacity. Pea gravel or fine crushed stone (3/8 inch or smaller) provides the best walking surface while maintaining good drainage.

Install edging to contain smaller gravel sizes and prevent them from spreading into adjacent planted areas. Metal, plastic, or stone edging works well, depending on your aesthetic preferences and budget.

Consider the intended users when selecting path materials. Elderly users or those with mobility challenges benefit from finer, more stable surfaces, while casual garden paths can use larger decorative stones for visual interest. For landscaping projects, our landscape stone size chart helps you find the perfect fit for your outdoor space.

Proper gravel selection transforms ordinary outdoor spaces into functional, attractive areas that serve your family for years. Understanding these size relationships and applications helps you communicate clearly with suppliers and ensures your project succeeds from the start.

At Hello Gravel, we help homeowners and contractors select the perfect gravel size for any application. Our team understands the technical requirements behind each project type and can recommend the ideal material for your specific needs. Contact us to discuss your project and get expert guidance on sizing, quantities, and delivery options.

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