Use this paver base calculator to estimate gravel base, bedding sand, cubic yards, cubic meters, tons, and bags for a patio, walkway, driveway, or garden path.

Enter the paved area, base depth, sand depth, and waste factor. The calculator will show the estimated material quantity before you order gravel or sand.

Quick guide: Most patios and walkways use 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel base and about 1 inch of bedding sand. Driveways usually need a thicker base.

How to Use Paver Base Calculator

1. Enter the length and width of the paved area.
2. Choose the unit.
3. Enter the compacted gravel base depth.
4. Enter the bedding sand depth.
5. Add a waste factor if needed.
6. Click calculate to estimate gravel base and bedding sand quantities.

Common Paver Base Depths

Quick Quantity Table

Gravel base only, before waste:

For bedding sand, a 1 inch layer over 100 sq ft is about 0.31 yd³ before waste.

Gravel Base vs Bedding Sand

The gravel base is the load-supporting layer below the pavers. It spreads load, improves drainage, and helps reduce settlement.

Bedding sand is only a thin levelling layer directly below the pavers. Do not use thick sand as a replacement for compacted base.

Do You Need Paver Base Over Concrete?

Usually, no. If pavers are installed over an existing concrete slab, the concrete acts as the base. You may need a drainage mat, thin bedding layer, mortar, or adhesive depending on the method.

If you are installing pavers over a slab, read our patio pavers on concrete guide first. Use this calculator mainly when you are building a new paver base over soil.

Common Mistakes

Avoid these mistakes:

• using sand instead of compacted base;
• placing pavers over soft or muddy soil;
• skipping compaction;
• making bedding sand too thick;
• forgetting edge restraint;
• sloping the surface towards the house;
• ignoring drainage.

For technical guidance, see: CMHA paver installation guidance

Final Engineering Advice

Use the paver base calculator to estimate material quantity before ordering gravel or sand. For good performance, also check compaction, drainage, slope, and edge restraint. A thicker base will not fix weak soil or trapped water.

FAQ