Paver Base Calculator

Use this paver base calculator to estimate how much compacted base and bedding sand you need for patios, walkways, and driveways instead of treating paver base like generic gravel.

Quick answer: most patios and walkways start around 4 to 6 inches of compacted base plus 1 inch of bedding sand, while driveways usually need a deeper base section before you even price the pavers.
Two layers in one answer Compacted vs loose base logic Bag, pallet, yard, and ton outputs
By: CalcHub Editorial Operated by: Cloudtopia
Maintenance: Updated when formulas, supplier packaging, or guidance change.
Method: Research + supplier packaging + formula verification.
Units:
A common dry-laid patio plan uses 6 inches of compacted base and 1 inch of bedding sand.

Add each patio pad, walkway run, or landing so the calculator can keep finished area and excavation basis aligned.

Area 1
Rectangle footprint for this part of the hardscape.
ft
ft
Finished footprint preview: 0 sq ft
Use measured sections if you want to expand the footprint to an estimated excavated area.
in
Patio guidance: 4-6 inches compacted
x
This keeps the compacted target visible while increasing the amount you order loose.
in
Standard dry-laid installs typically keep this around 1 in.
Base and bedding stay separate here: crushed aggregate handles structure, while bedding sand only levels the pavers.
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Base Aggregate And Bedding Sand Do Different Jobs

A dry-laid paver build has two separate material layers. The compacted crushed base handles structure and load, while the bedding sand creates a thin, adjustable setting bed directly under the pavers.

That is why this calculator keeps the layers separate all the way through the results. You should see how much base has to compact down to the target depth, and how much bedding sand sits above it, instead of collapsing both into one hidden total.

Pair this page with the Paver Calculator for the full surface takeoff and the Stone Calculator if you still need help translating aggregate names like crusher run, DGA, and #57.

Base Depth Guide By Project Type

Project Type Compacted Base Bedding Sand Planning Note
Walkway 4-6 inches 1 inch Lighter-duty foot traffic usually starts near the low end.
Patio 4-6 inches 1 inch A common worked-example baseline uses 6 inches of base.
Driveway 8-12 inches 1 inch Vehicle loads usually need deeper base and stronger local verification.
Custom User set User set Use custom when your soil, climate, or spec differs from the residential defaults.

Compaction Is Part Of The Material Plan

The base layer is ordered loose and installed compacted, usually in lifts. That is why the calculator shows both the compacted target and the larger loose-order quantity instead of only one number.

Bag Vs Bulk Planning

When Bags And Pallets Make Sense

Small projects and repair work often start with 0.5 cu ft bags because they match how big-box stores sell paver base and leveling sand. Once the job grows into dozens of bags, pallet math becomes more useful.

When Bulk Delivery Gets Easier

Larger patios and driveways are usually easier to plan in cubic yards, with tons shown as a secondary check when density is known. The compare mode lets you see both retail and bulk conversions side by side.

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Worked Example: 60 Sq Ft Patio

A homeowner is planning a 10 × 6 ft patio with a 6-inch compacted base, 1-inch bedding sand layer, and a 1.10 loose-order factor for the base.

  1. 1 Patio footprint: 10 × 6 = 60 sq ft
  2. 2 Compacted base target: 60 × (6/12) = 30 cu ft
  3. 3 Loose base order with a 1.10 factor: 30 × 1.10 = 33 cu ft
  4. 4 Base bulk equivalent: 33 / 27 = 1.2 cu yd
  5. 5 Bedding sand: 60 × (1/12) = 5 cu ft = 0.2 cu yd
  6. 6 At 0.5 cu ft per bag, that is about 66 base bags and 10 sand bags.
Plan for about 33 cu ft of base and 5 cu ft of bedding sand, which is roughly 66 base bags and 10 sand bags at 0.5 cu ft per bag.

How The Two-Layer Math Works

The calculator starts with the finished paver footprint, then optionally expands it to an excavated area if your dig extends beyond the paver edge. That same active area feeds both layers so the base and bedding stay synchronized.

Base volume uses compacted depth first, then applies the loose-order factor and any waste you enter. Bedding sand is calculated separately so changing base depth does not quietly change the sand layer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between paver base and bedding sand? +
Paver base is the compacted crushed aggregate that supports the load. Bedding sand is the thin leveling layer on top of that base. They are not interchangeable, and bedding sand should not replace the structural base layer.
How deep should the base be for a patio, walkway, or driveway? +
Walkways often start around 4 inches of compacted base, patios commonly land in the 4-6 inch range, and driveways often need 8-12 inches. Soil, climate, and traffic can change those defaults, so use them as planning starters rather than engineering rules.
Why is the loose order quantity larger than the compacted target? +
Crushed base is delivered loose but installed compacted. The calculator shows both numbers so you can see the finished target depth and the larger amount you need to buy before compaction.
When should I buy bags, pallets, or bulk delivery? +
Small repairs and compact pads often work well with 0.5 cu ft bags. Once you get into dozens of bags, pallet math becomes more useful, and larger patios or driveways usually become easier to buy by the cubic yard or ton.
Should I calculate the finished paver area or the larger excavation? +
Start with the finished paver footprint when you are only planning the installed surface. Switch to the excavated-area model when your dig extends beyond the paver edge and you want both base and bedding quantities sized from that larger footprint.

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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.