Paver Base Material Calculator
A paver patio sits on two layers: a thick compacted gravel base for support and drainage, and a thin sand bed for setting each paver level. Each layer's volume is simply the paved area times that layer's depth in feet. This calculator takes your patio length, width, gravel depth, and sand depth, returns each layer in cubic feet and cubic yards, and converts the gravel to tons using your supplier's density. Every figure comes from exact geometry and a density you provide.
Paver base formula
Area = length * width
Gravel cubic feet = area * (gravel depth inches / 12)
Gravel cubic yards = gravel cubic feet / 27
Gravel tons = gravel cubic yards * density
Sand cubic feet = area * (sand depth inches / 12)
Sand cubic yards = sand cubic feet / 27
Each layer's volume is the patio area times that layer's depth converted to feet. Dividing cubic feet by 27 gives cubic yards. The gravel tonnage uses the density you enter from your supplier for the base rock.
Paver base notes
- The compacted gravel base carries the load and drains water away from the pavers above.
- Patio base depth is commonly 4 to 6 inches; driveways need 8 to 12 inches for vehicle loads.
- The bedding sand layer is usually about 1 inch and is screeded level before laying pavers.
- One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet; multiply gravel cubic yards by density for tons.
- Order a compaction allowance, often 10 to 20 percent, because base gravel loses volume when compacted.
Paver base: frequently asked questions
How much base material does a paver patio need?
The base gravel volume equals the paved area times the gravel layer depth in feet. The bedding sand volume equals the area times the sand layer depth in feet. Divide each by 27 for cubic yards. For a 200 square foot patio with a 6 inch gravel base, that is 200 times 0.5, which is 100 cubic feet, or about 3.7 cubic yards.
How deep should the gravel base be?
Typical compacted gravel base depth is 4 to 6 inches for pedestrian patios and 8 to 12 inches for driveways that carry vehicles. The bedding sand layer above the gravel is usually about 1 inch. Enter your planned depths in inches; the calculator converts them to feet before computing volume.
How do I convert the gravel volume to tons?
Multiply the gravel volume in cubic yards by the density in tons per cubic yard that your supplier publishes for the base rock. Crushed base gravel commonly weighs roughly 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard. The calculator uses the density you enter so the tonnage matches your specific material.
Why do I need both gravel and sand layers?
The compacted gravel base provides load-bearing support and drainage, while the thin sand bedding layer lets you set and level each paver precisely. They are different materials in different depths, so the calculator reports each layer separately for ordering.
Should I add extra for compaction?
Yes. Gravel base is compacted in lifts and loses volume, so order a compaction allowance, often around 10 to 20 percent above the finished compacted volume. This calculator gives the finished in-place volume; add your own percentage on top when placing the order.
Official sources
- U.S. Geological Survey: Sand and Gravel (Construction) Statistics.
- U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology: Unit conversion (cubic yard, ton).
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 16 June 2026. See our methodology.