How this calculator works
Area = length x width, or use a known total area. Compacted base volume = area x base depth. Order volume = compacted volume x allowance. Tons = order cubic yards x aggregate density. Bedding sand uses the same area with the selected sand depth.
A stable paver patio starts with the base. Most pedestrian patios use about 4 inches of compacted aggregate, while driveways and weak soil often need a thicker base specified by a local contractor.
Use the tons result for bulk aggregate orders, the bag count when buying bagged paver base, and the bedding sand estimate when you want both layers from one set of measurements.
If you already know the square footage from a patio plan or store project planner, switch to area input instead of converting it back into length and width.
If your supplier calls the material road base, base rock, crushed base, or base course, use the same calculator. The important inputs are project area, compacted depth, waste allowance, bag volume, aggregate density, and supplier price.
Common paver base material examples
These examples use 10% allowance, 1.6 tons per cubic yard aggregate density, and 0.5 cu ft bags.
| Project size | 4 in base | 6 in base | Base tons | 0.5 cu ft bags | Bulk cost range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 ft | 1.36 cu yd | 2.04 cu yd | 2.17 tons | 74 | $88-$122 |
| 12x12 ft | 1.96 cu yd | 2.93 cu yd | 3.13 tons | 106 | $127-$176 |
| 12x16 ft | 2.61 cu yd | 3.91 cu yd | 4.17 tons | 141 | $169-$235 |
| 16x20 ft | 4.35 cu yd | 6.52 cu yd | 6.95 tons | 235 | $282-$391 |
| 20x20 ft | 5.43 cu yd | 8.15 cu yd | 8.69 tons | 294 | $352-$489 |
Base tons and cost range use the 4 inch base column. Use the calculator above for 6 inch cost or custom density.
Supplier-ready paver base checklist
The calculator result covers base aggregate, bedding sand, bag counts, tons, and base cost. Before ordering, compare the result with the rest of the patio material list so the base quantity does not get separated from the installation items that depend on the same area.
- Compactable aggregate base or road base
- Bedding sand for the setting bed
- Pavers or slabs with waste allowance
- Polymeric sand or joint sand
- Edge restraint and spikes
- Geotextile fabric when soil or drainage calls for it
- Plate compactor, screed rails, level, and cutting tools
- Supplier density, bag volume, and delivery minimums
Methodology and assumptions
- The default waste allowance is 10% to account for cuts, compaction, uneven excavation, and ordering buffer.
- Default base density is 1.6 tons per cubic yard; default driveway gravel density is 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Use your supplier's exact product density when available.
- Bag counts round up because partial bags are not orderable.
- Depth presets are planning defaults. Belgard describes a compacted aggregate base commonly between 4 and 6 inches for pavers, and CMHA describes bedding sand as a nominal 1 inch layer.
Example calculation
For the first row in the table, the calculator multiplies length by width, converts depth to a volume, adds the waste allowance, then converts that volume to bags, tons, or cost using the selected product assumptions.
This is a planning calculator, not an engineering specification. Confirm local code, soil conditions, drainage, and supplier product data before ordering.