Paver Base Calculator

Laying pavers requires a stable base of compacted gravel and leveling sand beneath them — get the amounts wrong and your patio or driveway will shift and crack over time. Enter your Project Length, Project Width, Gravel Base Depth, and Sand Layer Depth into the Paver Base Calculator to find exactly how much material to order. You'll get Gravel Needed (in cubic yards and tons) and Sand Needed (in cubic yards), along with your total Project Area.

ft
ft
in

Typically 4-6 inches for patios, 6-8 inches for driveways

in

Usually 1 inch leveling sand layer

Results

Gravel Needed

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Sand Needed

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Project Area

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Gravel Weight

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Frequently Asked Questions

How deep should a paver base be?

For patios and walkways, use 4-6 inches of gravel base. For driveways and areas with vehicle traffic, use 6-8 inches. A deeper base provides better stability and prevents settling over time.

What type of gravel is best for paver base?

Use crushed stone or gravel with angular edges like 3/4 minus or road base gravel. The angular pieces lock together better than rounded gravel, creating a more stable base that won't shift under load.

Why do I need sand on top of the gravel base?

The sand layer (typically 1 inch) provides a smooth, level surface for laying pavers. It allows for fine adjustments and helps create uniform gaps between pavers for a professional appearance.

How much extra material should I order?

Order 10-20% extra gravel to account for compaction and settling. Our calculator includes a 20% compaction factor for gravel. For sand, order 5-10% extra to account for waste and future maintenance.

Do I need to compact the base materials?

Yes, compaction is essential. Compact the gravel base in 2-3 inch lifts using a plate compactor. The sand layer should be screeded level but not heavily compacted before laying pavers.

Can I use regular sand instead of paver sand?

Use coarse sand or concrete sand for the base layer, not fine sand which doesn't drain well. For joint filling, use polymeric sand which hardens and prevents weed growth and ant infiltration.

What tools do I need for paver base installation?

You'll need a shovel, rake, level, plate compactor, screed board, and wheelbarrow. For larger projects, consider renting a mini excavator for excavation and a walk-behind compactor.

How do I calculate for irregular shaped areas?

Break irregular areas into rectangles and triangles, calculate each section separately, then add the totals. For curved areas, use the largest rectangle that fits within the curve as an approximation.