Paver Base Calculator — Gravel & Sand Volume
Estimate compacted gravel base and bedding sand for any paver installation. Inputs are area, base depth, and sand thickness following ICPI guidelines.
Enter Dimensions
Polymeric sand joints: 1/4 in typical
Use 10% for simple shapes, 15% for cuts
Results
Pavers Needed
264pavers
Total Area
120sq ft
Sand Base (50 lb bags)
12bags
1-inch bedding layer
Gravel Base
1.5tons
4-inch compacted gravel base
Editorial Standards
Each calculator is reviewed for formula accuracy, unit consistency, and alignment with current U.S. building practices before publication. We verify outputs against published engineering references and real-world project data. Learn more about our methodology.
The paver base — the compacted aggregate layer below the bedding sand — is the most important component of a long-lasting paver installation. Skimp on base depth or use the wrong aggregate, and your patio will sink, heave, and develop puddles within two seasons.
Use this calculator to size the base for any paver project. Output is in cubic yards (standard order unit for crushed aggregate at quarries and big-box stores) with compaction allowance baked in.
How to Size a Paver Base
Compacted base volume (cu yd) = (Area sq ft × depth inches) ÷ 324. Add 10–15% for compaction loss; that's your order quantity.
Base Depth by Project Type
- Walkway / garden path: 4 inches compacted base.
- Patio (foot traffic only): 4 inches base.
- Pool deck: 4–6 inches base; add a geotextile fabric below to prevent migration into wet subgrade.
- Driveway (passenger vehicles): 6–8 inches base over compacted subgrade.
- RV / commercial vehicle: 10–12 inches base; consult an engineer for heavy loads.
Aggregate Material Reference
- ¾-inch crusher run (CR-6 / QP): the gold standard — angular crushed stone with fines. Compacts to a dense, stable layer.
- Class 2 road base: a structured graded blend, common on the West Coast.
- Avoid: ¾-inch clean gravel (no fines = no lock-up), pea gravel (too round), and stone dust as a base (too fine).
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should the paver base be?
For pedestrian walkways and patios: 4 inches of compacted aggregate base. For driveways and heavier loads: 6–8 inches of base. Add an extra inch for cold-climate freeze-thaw resilience.
How much base gravel do I need per 100 sq ft?
At 4 inches deep, 100 sq ft of paver patio needs 100 × (4 / 12) = 33 cubic feet of compacted base, ≈ 1.23 cubic yards. Order 1.4 cu yd to allow for ~10% compaction loss.
What type of gravel is best for a paver base?
Use crushed angular aggregate — Class 2 road base, ¾-inch minus, or quarry process (QP). Avoid rounded river rock; it does not lock together under compaction. Look for material with both coarse and fine particles to maximize density.
Do I need bedding sand on top of the gravel base?
Yes — 1 inch of coarse concrete (sharp) sand sits between the compacted base and the pavers. Avoid play sand or mason sand; they're too fine and will shift over time.
How much does compaction reduce gravel volume?
Loose-delivered aggregate loses 10–15% volume after plate-compaction. Always order 10–15% extra above the calculated compacted volume.
Looking for the general calculator?
Calculate how many pavers you need for patios, walkways, and driveways. Includes bedding sand and gravel base estimates for any paver size and project area.
Open the Paver Calculator: Pavers, Sand & Base →