How do I calculate paver base material?

Multiply the project length by width to get square feet, then multiply by the base depth in feet. Divide cubic feet by 27 for cubic yards. Add a waste allowance and convert to tons using the density of the base material.

How deep should paver base be?

Many pedestrian patios and walkways use about 4 inches of compacted gravel base, while driveways and heavy-use areas often need 6 to 8 inches or more. Local soil, drainage, frost, and load matter, so follow your paver manufacturer's installation guidance.

How much leveling sand goes under pavers?

A common leveling sand layer is about 1 inch after screeding. It should help level the pavers, not replace the compacted gravel base.

Patio & walkway calculator

Paver Base Calculator

Estimate compacted gravel base, leveling sand, paver count, cubic yards, and tons for a patio, walkway, driveway, or landing.

Base gravel needed 2.28 tons A 12 ft × 10 ft area with 4 in base and 10% waste.

Project size

Length (feet) Width (feet) Waste / overage (%)

Use the finished area you plan to cover. Add extra for cuts, curves, compaction variation, and material left in the wheelbarrow.

Base and sand

Compacted base depth (inches) Leveling sand depth (inches) Base material density (tons/yd³)

Crushed stone or paver base often estimates around 1.3–1.5 tons per cubic yard. Your supplier can confirm the exact density.

Paver size

Paver length (inches) Paver width (inches) Paver waste (%)

For mixed-size patterns, use the average coverage from the product label if available. The count here is best for single-size pavers.

How to use this paver base calculator

Enter the length and width of the area, choose your compacted gravel base depth, and enter the leveling sand depth. The calculator converts the volumes into cubic yards and estimated tons so you can compare bagged materials, bulk delivery, and supplier quotes.

The paver count uses the paver face size and rounds up with your chosen waste allowance. Irregular edges, diagonal patterns, curves, and broken pieces can increase waste, so it is usually safer to keep a few extras.

Common starting depths

Walkways and patios: often start around 4 inches of compacted gravel base plus 1 inch of leveling sand.
Driveway or heavier loads: commonly need 6 to 8 inches or more of compacted base, depending on soil and climate.
Wet or freeze-thaw areas: drainage and base preparation matter more, so follow local guidance and manufacturer instructions.

FAQ

Does this calculator include compaction?

It estimates the finished compacted volume from your depth entry, then applies your waste percentage. If your supplier recommends ordering extra loose material for compaction, increase the waste percentage or follow their ordering guidance.

Should I order paver base by the bag, yard, or ton?

Small repairs may be easy with bags. Larger patios and walkways are usually easier to price by cubic yard or ton from a landscape supplier. This calculator shows both cubic yards and estimated tons for that comparison.

Can I use sand instead of gravel base?

Sand is typically used as a thin leveling layer above compacted base, not as the main structural base. A stable gravel base helps support the pavers and improves drainage.