What Are #57, #411, DGA, QP, and Crusher Run?

Walk into a landscape supply yard and you will hear names like “#57 stone,” “crusher run,” “DGA,” and “QP.” These are not brand names — they are industry and regional shorthand for standardized aggregate products. Some are governed by ASTM and state DOT specifications; others are regional trade names that have persisted for decades. Understanding these names saves you from ordering the wrong material and ensures your supplier delivers what your project actually requires.

#57 Stone: The Versatile Standard

The “#57” comes from the ASTM C33 / state DOT grading system, where the number refers to a specific sieve-size range. #57 stone is clean crushed rock ranging from about ¾ inch to 1 inch in diameter, with no fine particles. It is the most commonly specified aggregate in North America because it works well in many applications: drainage behind retaining walls, French drain fill, driveway surface layers, and concrete mix. It drains rapidly, does not compact into a solid mass, and is readily available at virtually every quarry and landscape yard.

Crusher Run, #411, DGA, QP: Same Product, Different Names

These four names all refer to essentially the same product: crushed stone blended with the fine particles (dust and sand) generated during the crushing process. The result is a well-graded mix from ¾-inch chunks down to powder that compacts into a dense, stable base when vibrated with a plate compactor. “Crusher run” is the most widely used term in the Southeast and Midwest. “#411” is common in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. “DGA” (dense-graded aggregate) is the technical DOT specification name used across the Northeast. “QP” (quarry process) is a trade name used in some Mid-Atlantic markets. If you order any of these, you should receive the same material.

How the Numbering System Works

The aggregate numbering system (ASTM C33 / AASHTO M43) assigns numbers based on which sieve sizes the material passes through and which it does not. Lower numbers mean larger stones: #1 stone is 2–4 inches, #3 is 1–2 inches, #57 is ¾ to 1 inch, and #89 is ⅜ to ½ inch. Two-digit numbers (like #57) describe a blend of two single-digit sizes (“5” and “7”). The system was designed for road construction and concrete production, but landscape suppliers adopted the terminology and now it is the de facto language of the aggregate industry.

Picking the Right Aggregate for Your Project

The decision usually comes down to one question: does the material need to drain or compact? If drain, choose a clean stone like #57. If compact, choose a material with fines like crusher run / DGA / QP / #411. Driveways typically use both: a compacted base of crusher run topped with clean #57. French drains need only clean stone. Paver bases use compacted crusher run topped with a thin layer of bedding sand. Decorative beds can use clean #57, pea gravel, or river rock depending on the aesthetic you want.

For the driveway layer-by-layer version of that answer, use the driveway depth guide. For the plain-language drainage rule, use clean stone vs stone with fines.

Ordering Tips

When calling a supplier, describe your project and specify whether you need clean or with-fines. Do not assume the local name you heard from a neighbor matches what your supplier calls it. Ask to see a sample or visit the yard in person before placing a bulk order. Prices vary: clean stone like #57 typically costs $35 to $55 per ton, while crusher run and its variants cost $25 to $40 per ton because the fines are a natural byproduct of crushing that does not require extra processing. If you still need the clean-vs-fines rule in plain language, use Clean Stone vs Stone with Fines before you call. Then use our stone calculator to estimate how many cubic yards or tons your project needs.