#4 stone is roughly 1.5" crushed granite used for ballast and heavy-duty drainage; #57 is the ¾" all-purpose size for driveways, French drains, and slab prep. The numbers come from construction sizing names, and the rule runs backwards: smaller number, bigger stone. Both are angular crushed granite from the same family, so they lock in place under traffic instead of migrating the way rounded stone does.
The crushed stone ladder
| #4 | ≈ 1.5" — ballast, construction entrances, heavy drainage |
| #57 | ≈ ¾" — driveways, drains, general-purpose stone |
| #89 | ≈ ⅜" — walkways, pipe bedding, tighter spots |
When in doubt on a residential job, #57 is the default. Compare #4 Stone and #57 Stone, or call or text (617) 645-0987 to talk through the pick.
