A solid paver base is the difference between a patio that lasts 20 years and one that needs to be torn up in three. This calculator gives you the cubic yards of gravel base and bedding sand you need for any rectangular paver project, plus the total combined volume so you know exactly what to order.
How the calculation works
The math is straightforward — you’re computing two stacked layers of material:
sand = length × width × sand_depth
total = gravel + sand
Everything gets converted to cubic yards, since that’s how bulk landscape materials are sold. The calculator handles unit conversion automatically — enter feet, inches, yards, or meters and the math stays correct.
Standard depths to use
Driveway or vehicle area: 6–8" compacted gravel + 1" bedding sand.
Cold climate (frost line): Add 2" to gravel depth.
The 4" / 1" standard is what most paver manufacturers (Belgard, Pavestone, Unilock) specify in their installation guides. Going thinner saves money but invites settling and frost heave. Going thicker doesn’t hurt but adds cost without much benefit on foot-traffic surfaces.
Why the bedding sand matters
The bedding sand is not there to support weight — that’s the gravel’s job. The sand exists to give you a smooth, screeded surface to set the pavers on, and to allow tiny height adjustments during installation. Use coarse concrete sand (also called bedding sand or ASTM C-33 sand). Do not use play sand or mason’s sand — they’re too fine and will wash out over time.
Compaction loss — the most common mistake
Loose gravel and sand compact significantly under their own weight and the plate compactor. A 4" loose layer of gravel becomes about 3" once compacted. The calculator does not pre-adjust for this, so you should:
- Order 10–15% more than the calculated volume
- Compact in 2" lifts if your total base depth is over 4"
- Re-screed after compaction if the surface drops below your target depth
If you’re new to paver installation, our paver installation guide walks through the full process from excavation to polymeric sand.
Buying gravel: bagged vs. bulk
| Project size | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under 50 sq ft | Bagged | One trip to the home center, no delivery fee |
| 50–200 sq ft | Bulk pickup | Cheaper per yard if you have a pickup truck |
| Over 200 sq ft | Bulk delivery | Bagged becomes 3–4× the cost; delivery is usually $50–100 |
A pickup truck holds about 1 cubic yard of gravel safely (more and you’re overloaded). One cubic yard of compacted base covers about 80 square feet at 4" depth.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should a paver base be?
For walkways and patios, a 4-inch compacted gravel base is standard. For driveways or anywhere vehicles will park, increase to 6–8 inches. Always add 1 inch of bedding sand on top of the gravel before laying pavers.
What kind of gravel do I use under pavers?
Use a crushed stone aggregate — typically 3/4" minus or 'class 5' (also called road base or paver base). It compacts tightly and provides drainage. Avoid pea gravel or rounded river rock — they shift under load.
Should I add 10% for waste?
Yes. Order 10–15% extra to account for compaction loss (gravel typically loses ~20% of its loose volume when compacted), uneven subgrade, and waste during installation.
Can I use sand instead of gravel as the base?
No. Sand alone has no structural support and will shift, causing pavers to sink and tilt. Always use a compacted gravel base under the bedding sand layer.
How much does paver base cost?
Bulk paver base (gravel) runs $25–$50 per cubic yard delivered, depending on your region and quantity. Bagged paver base is much more expensive per yard ($4–6 per 0.5 cu ft bag) — use bulk for anything larger than ~50 sq ft.