How to use the paver base calculator
- Choose the shape. Rectangle, circle, several parts for L-shapes and curves, or type in the area if you already know it.
- Enter the size and depth. Length and width in feet; depth in inches. Feet and inches like 12' 6" work too.
- Read the result in cubic yards, tons and bags. Under Adjust assumptions you can change the weight per yard, extra and bag size.
- Add your supplier's price per ton, yard or bag to see the cost, including delivery.
The paver base formula
Cubic feet = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12
Cubic yards = cubic feet × (1 + extra) ÷ 27
Tons = cubic yards × weight per cubic yard
Bags = cubic feet with extra ÷ bag size, rounded up
Worked example
A 12 × 12 ft patio with 4 inches of base
- 144 sq ft × (4 ÷ 12) = 48 cu ft; with 5% = 50.4 cu ft.
- 50.4 ÷ 27 = 1.87 cubic yards.
- At about 1.5 tons per yard: 2.8 tons of base.
How far a cubic yard goes
| Depth | One cubic yard covers | 0.5 cu ft bags per 10 sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 sq ft | 1.7 |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft | 3.3 |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft | 5.0 |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft | 6.7 |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft | 10.0 |
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, or 54 bags of 0.5 cu ft.
Base depth by use
- Walkways and patios: 4 in compacted.
- Patios on clay: 6 in.
- Driveways: 8 to 12 in.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not compacting in lifts. Compact every 2 to 3 inches, not all at once.
- Using pea gravel. Round stone rolls and never locks together.
- No slope. Build about 1/4 in per foot of fall away from the house into the base.
- Base the same size as the patio. Extend it beyond the edges for edge restraints.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should paver base be?
About 4 inches of compacted base for patios and walkways, and 6 to 12 inches for driveways and on clay or poorly drained soil. Follow the paver maker's guide and local practice.
How much does paver base compact?
Crushed stone compacts by roughly 10 to 20%. Measure the compacted depth you want and add extra under Adjust assumptions.
What is the best base for pavers?
Crushed angular stone with fines (often sold as paver base, road base, crusher run or 3/4 in minus) because the pieces lock together when compacted. Rounded pea gravel does not compact.
Do I need sand on top of the base?
Yes, a 1 inch bedding layer of coarse concrete sand is screeded on top of the base before laying pavers. Use the paver sand calculator for that layer.
How far should the base extend past the pavers?
About 6 inches beyond the edges, or as far as the base is deep, so the edges are supported.