Paver Gravel Calculator — Crusher Run Base Aggregate
Estimate compacted crushed-stone base aggregate for paver projects. Returns cubic yards plus delivery tonnage for 4, 6, and 8-inch base depths.
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 compacted-aggregate base is the structural foundation of any paver installation — a 4-8 inch layer of angular crushed stone that distributes paver loads to the subgrade and prevents settlement. Order too little and your patio sinks; order too much and you've wasted significant money on delivery fees.
This calculator returns the cubic yard volume (the unit landscape suppliers quote in) plus tonnage for delivery planning. Compaction allowance is included.
How to Estimate Paver Base Gravel
Compacted Volume (cu yd) = (Area × Depth (in) ÷ 12) ÷ 27. Order Volume = Compacted × 1.15 (compaction allowance). Tonnage = Cubic Yards × 1.5 ton/yd.
Paver Gravel Reference
- Foot traffic patio (4″ base): 100 sq ft = 1.4 cu yd ordered.
- Driveway (6″ base): 100 sq ft = 2.1 cu yd ordered.
- Heavy commercial (8″ base): 100 sq ft = 2.8 cu yd ordered.
- Compacted weight: ~3,000 lb (1.5 ton) per cubic yard.
- Bulk pricing: $30-50 per cubic yard delivered.
- Bag yield: 50 lb bag ≈ 0.5 cu ft → ~54 bags per cubic yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel for a paver patio?
At standard 4 inch base depth for foot traffic: 100 sq ft × 4/12 = 33 cu ft = 1.23 cu yd of compacted gravel. Order 1.4 cu yd to allow for ~15% compaction loss.
What kind of gravel under pavers?
¾ inch minus crushed run (also called CR-6, QP, or Class 2 road base). Angular crushed stone with both coarse and fine particles compacts to a dense, stable layer. Avoid rounded river rock and clean gravel (no fines).
How much does paver gravel cost?
Bulk: $30-50 per cubic yard delivered (5+ yd minimum order at most quarries). Bagged: $5-7 per 50 lb bag (covers ~0.5 cu ft). Bulk wins above ~1 cu yd.
How heavy is a cubic yard of paver gravel?
Compacted ¾ inch crusher run weighs ~2,800-3,000 lb per cubic yard. Loose-delivered weighs ~2,400-2,500 lb/yd. A typical pickup truck holds 1/2 to 3/4 yard safely.
Can I substitute pea gravel for crusher run?
No — pea gravel particles are round and don't lock together under compaction. Pavers will sink and shift. Always use angular crushed stone for paver bases.
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 →