Paver Driveway Calculator — Pavers, Base & Edge
Estimate pavers, deep aggregate base, and edge restraint for a residential paver driveway. Sized for passenger vehicle loads with 6-inch minimum base depth.
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.
A paver driveway is a more demanding installation than a paver patio — vehicle loads require thicker pavers, deeper aggregate base, and heavy-duty edge restraint. Skimp on any of these and the driveway will sink, shift, and develop ruts within 1-2 years. Done right, a paver driveway lasts 30-50 years and any damaged paver can be lifted out and replaced individually.
This calculator sizes pavers, base aggregate, bedding sand, and edge restraint for a residential paver driveway. Always confirm local code and HOA rules before committing.
How to Estimate a Paver Driveway
Pavers = Area ÷ paver face area × (1 + waste %). Base (cu yd) = (Area × 6 ÷ 12) ÷ 27 × 1.15 (compaction). Sand (cu yd) = (Area × 1 ÷ 12) ÷ 27. Edge restraint = Perimeter LF.
Paver Driveway Specs vs. Patio
- Paver thickness: 60-80 mm (driveway) vs 45-50 mm (patio).
- Base depth: 6-8 inches (driveway) vs 4 inches (patio).
- Edge restraint: concrete curb or heavy steel (driveway) vs molded plastic (patio).
- Geotextile fabric: recommended below base for driveways in clay or wet soils to prevent base migration.
- Joint sand: polymeric sand bonds the surface against tire scrub and freeze-thaw cycles — required for driveway installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should pavers be for a driveway?
Driveway pavers must be 60 mm (2-3/8 inch) thick minimum for passenger vehicles, 80 mm (3-1/8 inch) for SUVs and pickups, and 100 mm (4 inch) for commercial or heavy-vehicle traffic. Standard patio pavers (50 mm) are NOT strong enough for vehicle loads.
How deep should the base be for a paver driveway?
6 inches of compacted ¾-inch crushed aggregate is the minimum for residential driveways. 8 inches is recommended for clay soils or heavier vehicles. Compact in two 3-4 inch lifts with a plate compactor.
How much does a paver driveway cost?
Materials: $5-$15 per sq ft for pavers, base, sand, and edge restraint. Add $5-$10 per sq ft for excavation and $5-$15 per sq ft for installation labor. A 400 sq ft (10 ft × 40 ft) driveway runs $6,000-$16,000 installed.
Do paver driveways need edge restraint?
Always — without restraint, perimeter pavers will spread outward and the field will sink. Use concrete edge curbs or heavy-duty steel/aluminum spiked edging rated for vehicle loads. Plastic edging is NOT sufficient for driveways.
Can I install a paver driveway over my existing concrete?
Yes, with caveats: the concrete must be structurally sound, sloped for drainage, and you need a 1-inch sand bedding layer on top. Total thickness adds 3-4 inches to the driveway height; transitions at the garage and street need to be regraded.
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 →