Paver Base Calculator
Calculate the amount of base material, sand, and pavers needed for your paving project
Calculate Materials
Enter your project dimensions and specifications
Walkway: 4-6 in, Driveway: 6-12 in
Typical: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
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How to Use This Calculator
Step-by-step guide to get accurate results
1
How It Works
Plan your patio, walkway, or driveway with confidence! A strong, properly layered base is key to making your project last for years. Use this calculator to estimate how much gravel and sand you need for a solid paver base.
Simple Steps
1. Enter your project dimensions (Length × Width)
2. Enter desired base depths for gravel and sand
3. Get the estimated amount of materials needed in cubic yards or cubic meters
2
How to Estimate Base Materials
Follow these calculation methods to determine the exact amount of gravel and sand needed for your paver base.
Step 1: Calculate Gravel Volume
1. Measure length and width in inches
2. Multiply to get area in square inches
3. Multiply by gravel depth (in inches) to get volume in cubic inches
4. Convert to cubic yards:
Step 2: Calculate Sand Volume
1. Use the same area in square inches
2. Multiply by sand depth (usually 1 inch)
3. Convert to cubic yards:
Metric Version
1. Measure in centimeters
2. Multiply area by depth (cm) to get cubic centimeters
3. Convert to cubic meters:
3
Recommended Base Depths
Different projects require different base depths for optimal stability and longevity.
Depth Guidelines
**Patios:** 4–6″ compacted gravel + 1″ sand
**Driveways / Heavy Use:** 6–8″ gravel
**Important Note:** Compacting gravel reduces its initial volume. Add ~20% extra to reach the desired depth.
4
Quick Reference Table
Use this table to quickly estimate materials needed for common patio sizes.
Material Estimates by Patio Size
| Patio Size | Gravel Needed (4–6″ base) | Sand Needed (1″ base) |
|------------|---------------------------|----------------------|
| 50 sq. ft. | 0.75 – 1.12 cu. yds. | 0.15 cu. yds. |
| 100 sq. ft. | 1.48 – 2.22 cu. yds. | 0.31 cu. yds. |
| 150 sq. ft. | 2.22 – 3.34 cu. yds. | 0.46 cu. yds. |
| 200 sq. ft. | 2.96 – 4.44 cu. yds. | 0.62 cu. yds. |
| 250 sq. ft. | 3.71 – 5.56 cu. yds. | 0.77 cu. yds. |
| 300 sq. ft. | 4.44 – 6.67 cu. yds. | 0.93 cu. yds. |
| 350 sq. ft. | 5.18 – 7.78 cu. yds. | 1.08 cu. yds. |
| 400 sq. ft. | 5.93 – 8.89 cu. yds. | 1.23 cu. yds. |
| 450 sq. ft. | 6.67 – 10.01 cu. yds. | 1.39 cu. yds. |
| 500 sq. ft. | 7.40 – 11.11 cu. yds. | 1.54 cu. yds. |
| 550 sq. ft. | 8.15 – 12.23 cu. yds. | 1.70 cu. yds. |
| 600 sq. ft. | 8.89 – 13.34 cu. yds. | 1.85 cu. yds. |
| 650 sq. ft. | 9.62 – 14.45 cu. yds. | 2.01 cu. yds. |
| 700 sq. ft. | 10.67 – 15.56 cu. yds. | 2.16 cu. yds. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a paver base and why is it important?
A paver base is a layer of compacted gravel topped with sand that supports your pavers. It prevents sinking, shifting, and cracking.
How deep should the gravel base be?
Patios: 4–6 inches. Driveways / heavy use: 6–8 inches.
How thick should the sand layer be?
1 inch is usually enough for leveling and stabilization.
How do I calculate the amount of gravel and sand I need?
Measure the area (length × width), multiply by the depth, and convert to cubic yards (or cubic meters).
Why add extra gravel for compaction?
Compaction reduces volume; adding ~20% ensures correct depth.
Can this calculator be used for driveways?
Yes, just increase gravel depth to 6–8 inches. Sand depth remains ~1 inch.
Can I measure in feet or inches?
Both work. Make sure conversions are correct when calculating cubic yards/meters.
Can I use it for irregular shapes?
Break irregular areas into rectangles, calculate separately, and add results.
How accurate is this calculator?
It gives a good estimate. Always buy a little extra for compaction and measurement errors.
Can it be used internationally?
Yes, input feet/inches or cm/m and get results in cubic yards or cubic meters.
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