Paver base calculator
A paver patio needs a compacted gravel base, about 1 inch of bedding sand, and the pavers themselves. Enter your area and depths to get all three.
Estimates round up. Check product labels and supplier figures before ordering.
Recommended base depths
| Project | Gravel base | Bedding sand |
|---|---|---|
| Garden walkway | 4 in | 1 in |
| Patio, mild climate | 4-6 in | 1 in |
| Patio, freezing winters or clay soil | 6-8 in | 1 in |
| Residential driveway | 8-12 in | 1 in |
How it's calculated
The calculator works out three quantities from your area, which already includes the extra percentage.
Base (cu yd) = area (sq ft) x base depth (in) / 12 / 27 / (1 - compaction %)
Base (tons) = cubic yards x 1.4
Bedding sand (cu ft) = area x sand depth (in) / 12
Pavers = area x 144 / (paver length x width in inches)
Example: a 10 x 20 ft patio is 200 sq ft, or 210 sq ft with 5% extra. A 4 in compacted base needs 210 x 4 / 12 / 27 = 2.59 cubic yards in place. Crushed stone shrinks about 15% when compacted, so order 2.59 / 0.85 = 3.05 cubic yards, about 4.3 tons. One inch of sand is 17.5 cu ft, or 35 half-cubic-foot bags. With 4 x 8 in pavers (4.5 per sq ft) you need 945 pavers.
Crushed stone base weighs about 1.35 to 1.45 tons per cubic yard depending on gradation and moisture. Use a dense-graded 3/4 in minus base (with fines) so it locks together, and compact it in 2 to 3 inch lifts.
What you'll need
- Plate compactor rental
- Paver base gravel
- Paver sand
- Paver edge restraint
- Polymeric sand
Common questions
How deep should a paver base be?
About 4 inches of compacted gravel for walkways and 4 to 6 inches for patios. Use 6 to 8 inches in freezing climates or clay soil, and 8 to 12 inches under driveways.
How much sand goes under pavers?
About 1 inch of coarse concrete sand, screeded flat over the compacted base. Sand thicker than about 1.5 inches tends to shift and cause uneven pavers.
How many 4 x 8 pavers are in a square foot?
4.5. Each 4 x 8 in paver covers 32 square inches, and a square foot is 144 square inches.
Do I need to compact the gravel base?
Yes. Compact it in lifts of 2 to 3 inches with a plate compactor. An uncompacted base settles and lets pavers sink and rock.