Paver base calculator
Enter the patio or walkway area and the depth of base. You get the crushed stone base and the bedding sand layer on top of it, in cubic yards and tons.
Figures last reviewed October 2026. See sources.
Density used
Default base density is 113 lb per cubic foot, about 1.53 tons per cubic yard, the middle of the range commonly given for gravel base (roughly 100 to 126 lb per cubic foot). Bedding sand uses 100 lb per cubic foot. Check your supplier's numbers, because products differ.
Base depth: typical ranges
These are common ranges, not requirements. Your soil, climate, and local rules may call for something different.
| Use | Depth |
|---|---|
| Walkways and patios | 4 to 6 in |
| Driveways | 8 to 12 in |
How this is calculated
Area times depth gives volume in cubic feet. Multiply by the density and divide by 2,000 to get tons. Base material compacts as it is tamped, so the calculator adds 20% to the base by default. The bedding sand layer adds 5%.
The bedding sand is calculated from the same area at its own depth, 1 inch by default. Set the sand depth to 0 if you only want the base.
Example: a 12 ft by 12 ft area at 6 inches deep, with 20% extra, needs about 4.88 tons (3.20 cubic yards).
How far does one ton go?
Area covered by one ton at different depths, before any extra material.
| Depth | Square feet covered |
|---|---|
| 4 in | 53 |
| 6 in | 35 |
| 8 in | 27 |
| 12 in | 18 |
Quick reference: common sizes
Base material only, in tons, including the default 20% extra. Use the calculator above for your exact size.
| Area | 4 in deep | 6 in deep |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 2.26 | 3.39 |
| 12 × 12 ft | 3.25 | 4.88 |
| 10 × 20 ft | 4.52 | 6.78 |
| 16 × 16 ft | 5.79 | 8.68 |
| 20 × 20 ft | 9.04 | 13.56 |
Common questions
How much paver base do I need?
Multiply the area in square feet by the base depth in feet, then by the density, and divide by 2,000 for tons. The calculator adds an allowance for compaction.
How deep should the base be under pavers?
Four to six inches is commonly used for patios and walkways, and deeper for driveways. Soil, drainage, and climate all matter, so follow your paver manufacturer's guidance and local conditions.
How much area does a ton of base cover?
About 53 square feet at 4 inches deep and about 35 square feet at 6 inches deep, before the compaction allowance.
Why add extra for compaction?
Loose base is tamped down, so you need more material than the finished volume suggests. The default is 20% for the base. Change it under the advanced options.
Do I also need sand?
Pavers are usually set on a thin bedding layer of sand over the compacted base. This calculator estimates both layers. The sand is 1 inch deep by default and you can change that, or set it to 0.
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