Paver Base Calculator
Estimate how much crushed stone base and bedding sand you may need for paver patios, walkways, and small hardscape projects.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Minimum 4 inches for patios/walks; 8-10+ inches for driveways.
1 inch is the industry standard for bedding sand.
Base rock shrinks when compacted. Add at least 10-15%.
Density varies by exact material and moisture.
Results update automatically as you enter measurements.
Your Material List
For this project, buy or order approximately
Use these quantities as a shopping list, supplier note, quote check, or quick jobsite material estimate.
Formula and Assumptions
Formula used
The formula calculates the volume of both the crushed stone base and the bedding sand layer independently. It converts depth to feet (inches divided by 12) and multiplies by the square footage to find cubic feet for each. After adding the waste factor, it calculates cubic yards. Finally, it multiplies cubic yards by the respective material densities (~1.4 tons for base, ~1.35 for sand) to estimate the total tonnage you should order from the quarry.
Unit conversions
Inches are converted to feet before volume is calculated. Cubic feet are converted to cubic yards by dividing by 27. Bag counts are rounded up because stores do not sell partial bags.
Waste factor explanation
Waste factor helps account for uneven surfaces, cuts, spills, compaction, settling, and measurement differences. The right buffer depends on your project and material.
Material Assumptions and Disclaimer
Bag yield or density assumptions
- Subgrade is relatively flat and excavated cleanly.
- Material densities are estimates. Exact weight depends on the local quarry and moisture content.
Estimate disclaimer
These tools are useful for DIY planning and quick jobsite estimates, but the results are still estimates. Verify quantities for structural work, code requirements, supplier material specs, product labels, or professional requirements before purchasing or quoting a job.
When to be careful
- Proper installation requires mechanical compaction of the crushed stone base in two-inch lifts (layers). Compaction reduces the physical volume, which is why a 10-15% waste/compaction buffer is essential.
Example Calculation
Building a 20x10 foot patio. Using 4 inches of crushed stone base, 1 inch of bedding sand, and a 10% waste/compaction factor:
- Area: 20 × 10 = 200 square feet
- Base volume: 200 × (4 ÷ 12) = 66.67 cubic feet
- Sand volume: 200 × (1 ÷ 12) = 16.67 cubic feet
- Add 10% waste to base: 66.67 × 1.10 = 73.34 ft^3, or 2.72 yd^3
- Add 10% waste to sand: 16.67 × 1.10 = 18.34 ft^3, or 0.68 yd^3
- Convert base to tons: 2.72 × 1.4 = 3.8 tons of base
- Convert sand to tons: 0.68 × 1.35 = 0.92 tons of sand
You need ~3.8 tons of base rock and ~0.92 tons of sand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should my paver base be?
Typically, pedestrian walkways and patios require a minimum of 4 to 6 inches of compacted base. Driveways subject to vehicular traffic require 8 to 12 inches (or more, depending on local freeze-thaw cycles and clay soil).
What kind of sand should I use for the bedding layer?
You should use coarse, angular sand like "Concrete Sand" (also known as ASTM C33 sand). Do NOT use play sand or mason sand, as the grains are too round and fine, which will cause your pavers to shift over time or wash out.
Do I need base rock? Can I just put pavers on dirt?
Laying pavers directly on dirt or just sand without a gravel base is guaranteed to fail. The pavers will settle unevenly, heave during winter, and grow weeds. A solid, compacted base is the only way to build a patio that lasts.
How do I compact the base?
For anything larger than a small walkway, rent a vibratory plate compactor. You must lay the base rock in "lifts" of 2 to 3 inches at a time, wetting it slightly, and running the compactor over it before adding the next lift.
Should I put landscape fabric under the base?
Yes. You should lay a high-quality woven geotextile fabric directly over the bare dirt subgrade, *before* adding the crushed stone base. This separation layer prevents mud from pumping up into your clean gravel base over the years.
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