Paver Base Calculator

How to Use This Paver Base Calculator

Enter your project area and select the traffic type — pedestrian (4-inch base) or vehicle (6-inch base). The calculator automatically applies industry-standard depths for both gravel base and bedding sand. For custom depths, select "Custom" and enter your own values. Results show cubic yards and approximate tons for each material.

Paver Base: How Much Gravel and Sand Do You Need?

The base is the most important part of any paver project. A properly compacted base prevents pavers from shifting, sinking, and cracking over time. Skimping here means redoing the project in 3-5 years — doing it right now means decades of durability.

The Two-Layer Base System

A proper paver base has two layers. The gravel base (4-6 inches of crushed stone) provides structural support and drainage. On top of that, a bedding sand layer (1 inch of coarse sand) lets you fine-tune each paver's level during installation. Never use sand alone as a base — it erodes and shifts under load.

Material Selection

• Base gravel: Use 3/4-inch crushed stone with fines (crusher run). The angular particles and fine dust lock together under compaction to form a near-solid mass.
• Bedding sand: Use coarse, washed concrete sand — never play sand (too fine) or mason sand (too much clay). Coarse sand drains freely and locks pavers in place.

For a 20×15 foot (300 sq ft) patio, you'd need roughly 3.7 cubic yards of base gravel and 0.9 cubic yards of bedding sand — costs typically run $150-250 for materials.