Calculators / Paver Base
Paver Base Calculator
To calculate paver base, enter your patio size and the base and sand depths; this tool returns how much gravel base and bedding sand you need, in cubic yards and tons. A typical patio uses a 4 in compacted gravel base under about 1 in of bedding sand.
Real math, not AI guesses.
You need
2.07 tons base gravel
Estimated cost
~$93
- Patio area
- 120 sq ft
- Gravel base (4 in)
- 1.48 cu yd · 2.07 tons
- Sand bedding (1 in)
- 0.37 cu yd · 0.5 tons
Estimate only — actual quantities and prices vary by region and supplier. Verify with a professional before purchasing. Default price is a national average (as of 2026-06); edit it to match your supplier.
How to calculate paver base
The formula: base tons = (area × base depth⁄12) ÷ 27 × 1.4
- Measure the patio length and width in feet and multiply for the area.
- Use a 4 in gravel base for patios (6 in for driveways or soft soil) and about 1 in of bedding sand.
- Multiply area × depth (in feet) for cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards.
- Multiply gravel yards by 1.4 for tons and sand yards by 1.35. Order a little extra to top up low spots.
Prices shown are national averages (as of 2026-06) and vary by region, brand, and supplier. They are estimates, not quotes.
How much does paver base cost?
Paver base materials are cheap — the cost is the gravel and sand, not installation. A gravel base runs about $20–$50 per ton ($0.50–$1.50 per sq ft at 4 in deep), and bedding sand $25–$55 per ton. For a 12×10 patio (120 sq ft) with a 4 in gravel base and 1 in sand, expect roughly $80–$200 in base materials before delivery.
What drives the cost
- Base depth — 4 in for patios, 6 in for driveways or soft soil.
- Gravel type — crushed run / road base packs best and is cheapest.
- Delivery is a flat fee, a bigger share on small loads.
- Plate-compactor rental ($60–$100/day) if you don't own one.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Spreading and compacting base is the most DIY-friendly part of a paver project — the materials are cheap and the work is grading and compacting in lifts. The mistakes that matter are too shallow a base and skipping compaction, which cause sinking later. Rent a plate compactor and compact every 2 in lift.
Installed and labor figures are national-average ranges, not quotes — get a few local estimates for your project.
Paver Base FAQ
How much gravel and sand do I need for a paver patio?+
For a 12×10 patio (120 sq ft) with a 4 in gravel base and 1 in sand bed, you need about 1.85 cu yd (2.6 tons) of gravel base and 0.37 cu yd (0.5 ton) of bedding sand. Enter your size above for exact amounts.
Do I need gravel under pavers?+
Yes for anything load-bearing or in freeze-thaw climates — a compacted gravel base is what stops pavers from sinking and heaving. A thin sand-only base is only okay for light, temporary, well-drained installs.
How deep should paver base be?+
4 inches of compacted gravel for a patio or walkway, 6 inches for a driveway or soft soil, plus about 1 inch of bedding sand on top. Compact the gravel in 2-inch lifts.
What kind of gravel is best for paver base?+
Crushed run (road base / crusher run) — a mix of crushed stone and fines that compacts hard. Clean #57 stone drains well but doesn't lock up as tightly, so many installers use #57 with a thin sand bed.