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Paver Base Calculator

A paver patio is only as good as what is underneath it. This calculator estimates the compacted crushed-stone base and the screeded bedding sand layer, giving volumes and weights for both.

Enter your measurements

Measurements
ft
ft
in

Common guidance: 4–6 in (10–15 cm) for patios and walkways, 8–12 in (20–30 cm) for driveways. Clay soils may need more.

in

A screeded layer of about 1 in (25 mm) is standard. Enter 0 to skip.

Material & assumptions
%

Loose aggregate compacts when plate-compacted. Many installers order 15–25% extra base material.

tons/yd³

Crushed-stone base is often 1.3–1.6 tons/yd³. Ask your supplier.

tons/yd³

Dry concrete sand is often 1.2–1.4 tons/yd³.

Enter your measurements and press Calculate to see quantities, a material breakdown and an optional cost estimate.

How the calculation works

  • Base volume = Area × Base depth × (1 + Compaction %)
  • Sand volume = Area × Sand depth
  • Weight = Volume × Density

Crushed stone base compacts significantly when run over with a plate compactor, so extra material is needed to achieve the finished depth. Bedding sand is screeded loose, so no compaction allowance is applied.

Assumptions used

  • Default base density 1.4 tons/yd³; bedding sand 1.35 tons/yd³. Change these to match your supplier.
  • The compaction allowance applies to the base only.

Example calculation

A 200 ft² patio with a 4 in base, 1 in of bedding sand and 20% compaction allowance.

  1. 1Base: 200 × (4 ÷ 12) = 66.7 ft³ = 2.47 yd³
  2. 2With 20% compaction: 2.96 yd³ (≈ 4.1 tons at 1.4 tons/yd³)
  3. 3Sand: 200 × (1 ÷ 12) = 16.7 ft³ = 0.62 yd³

Result: Order about 3 yd³ of base and 0.6 yd³ of bedding sand.

How to measure your project

  • Excavate and measure the area including a border beyond the pavers for edge restraints, typically about 6 in.
  • Base depth depends on use and soil: patios and walkways often use 4–6 in, driveways 8–12 in.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best base for pavers?

A well-graded crushed stone with fines (often sold as paver base, road base or crusher run) compacts into a firm, stable layer. Some open-graded systems use clean angular stone for drainage instead.

How thick should paver bedding sand be?

About 1 in (25 mm) is standard. Thicker sand layers can lead to uneven settlement, so fix low spots in the base rather than with extra sand.

Related guides

  • Cross-section illustration of pavers on bedding sand over a compacted aggregate base
    Pavers & Hardscaping

    How to Calculate Paver Base Material

    Learn how to calculate paver base gravel and bedding sand, choose the right base depth, account for compaction and convert to tons for ordering.

    2 min read

Results are estimates based on the measurements and assumptions you enter. Always confirm product specifications, local building codes and final quantities with your supplier or a qualified professional. See our disclaimer.