Paver Base Calculator

Calculate the gravel needed for your paver base layer. A proper paver installation requires two layers: a 4–6 inch compacted gravel base and a 1-inch leveling sand layer on top. This calculator handles the gravel base — use our sand calculator for the bedding sand layer.

Units:

MaterialArea Shape

Length

Width

Depth

Recommended: 1–4 inches

Waste Factor

Bulk Price

$/yd

Bag Price

$/bag

Worked Example

A homeowner is building a 10 × 20 ft patio and needs a 4-inch compacted gravel base using crushed stone.

1 Patio area: 10 × 20 = 200 sq ft
2 Gravel base depth: 4 inches
3 Volume: 200 × (4/12) = 66.7 cu ft = 2.5 cu yd
4 Add 10% waste: 2.5 × 1.10 = 2.7 cu yd
5 Weight: 2.7 × 1.35 = 3.6 tons
6 You'll also need ~0.6 cu yd of leveling sand for the 1" bedding layer.

Order 2.7 cubic yards of crushed stone for the gravel base. At $40/cu yd bulk, that is approximately $108. You will also need about 0.6 cu yd of leveling sand for the 1" bedding layer.

How Paver Base Gravel Is Calculated

The calculation follows the standard volume formula: measure the paver area, multiply by the gravel base depth to get volume, then convert to the units your supplier sells.

Area × Depth = Volume (cu ft) → divide by 27 for cubic yards → multiply by material density for tons → divide by bag size for bag count. All quantities include your waste factor so you always have enough.

Compaction typically reduces gravel volume by 10–15%, so ordering 10% extra is standard practice. If your soil is soft or you’re in a freeze-thaw climate, consider ordering 15% extra.

Recommended Base Depth by Project

Project Type	Gravel Base Depth	Notes
Patio	4 inches	Standard for foot traffic areas
Walkway	4 inches	Lighter load, 4" is sufficient
Driveway	6 inches	Vehicle weight requires deeper base
Pool Deck	6 inches	Extra depth for drainage and stability

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of gravel is best for a paver base? +

Crushed stone (3/4") or crusher run is the standard choice for paver bases. These angular stones lock together when compacted, creating a stable foundation. Avoid rounded gravel like pea gravel — it shifts under load and never fully compacts.

How thick should a paver base be? +

For patios and walkways, 4 inches of compacted gravel base is standard. Driveways and areas with vehicle traffic need 6 inches minimum. In areas with poor drainage or clay soil, consider increasing to 6-8 inches for any project.

Do I need sand on top of gravel? +

Yes. After the compacted gravel base, you need a 1-inch layer of leveling sand (also called bedding sand) to create a smooth, even surface for setting pavers. Use our sand calculator to estimate the sand needed.

Should I compact the gravel base? +

Absolutely. Compaction is critical for a long-lasting paver installation. Compact in 2-inch lifts — add 2 inches of gravel, compact with a plate compactor, then repeat until you reach your target depth. Order about 10% extra gravel to account for compaction loss.

You May Also Need

Paver Calculator

Calculate paver count for patios, walkways, and driveways

Calculate →

Sand Calculator

Leveling sand for the bedding layer on top of gravel base

Calculate →

Gravel Calculator

General-purpose gravel calculator for any project

Calculate →

Stone Calculator

Crushed stone and aggregate for driveways and drainage

Calculate →

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only. Actual material requirements depend on site conditions, compaction, grading, and local building codes. Always verify measurements on-site and consult with your material supplier before purchasing.