Compacted aggregate base
The load-spreading layer below the bedding course. Enter the finished compacted depth and an allowance for the loose material you expect to order.
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Paver Base Calculator
Estimate the base below your pavers — layer by layer. Get gravel and bedding sand in cubic yards, tons, bags and cost before you call the material yard.
Imperial + metric
Editable assumptions
Runs in your browser
Preliminary takeoff · BL-01
Your material order
192 sq ft · 15% compaction + 5% waste on base
Base gravel
Structural layerOrder volume2.86 yd³
Approx. weight4.29 tons
Bag equivalent155 bags
Material costAdd prices
Bedding sand
Leveling layerOrder volume0.62 yd³
Approx. weight0.84 tons
Bag equivalent34 bags
Material costAdd prices
Layer stack / excavation7.4 in
Estimated materialsAdd prices
Planning estimate only. Confirm the required section depth, material type, density, bag yield and final order with your supplier or qualified professional. This tool does not design drainage, subgrade, reinforcement or structural pavement.
Useful numbers.
Visible assumptions.
27 ft³per cubic yard
Editabledensity and allowances
0 uploadscalculation stays in-browser
Layer by layer
What goes below a paver?
The calculator separates the two bulk materials that are often ordered differently. The soil and edge system still need a site-specific plan.
Bedding sand
A thinner leveling course above the base. It is calculated separately so its density, bag count and price do not get mixed into the gravel order.
Subgrade and drainage
Weak soil, poor drainage, freezing and vehicle loads can change the required section. Those conditions are outside a simple volume calculator.
Open formula
How the estimate is built
No hidden model and no location-based guess. The result follows four checkable steps.
1
Find footprint area
length × width = area2
Find compacted volume
area × depth = geometric volume3
Add order allowances
base × compaction × waste4
Convert to buying units
yd³ × density = US tonsPlanning reference
Choose a base depth
These are CMHA minimums for ideal conditions—not universal prescriptions. Increase or professionally design the section when site conditions are not ideal.
| Application | CMHA minimum base | Calculator preset | Check before using |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patio / walkway | 4 in (100 mm) | 4 in + 1 in sand | Foot traffic, stable soil, drainage |
| Residential driveway | 6 in (150 mm) | 6 in + 1 in sand | Vehicle load, soil and freeze |
| Parking / residential street | 8 in (200 mm) | No automatic preset | Use project design criteria |
| Heavy-duty pavement | Professional design | Not provided | Qualified civil engineer |
Source: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association, “Proper Concrete Paver Base and Depth” (2025). Read the full depth guide for limitations.
Do not treat a preset as a design approval.
CMHA notes that soil strength, drainage and freezing conditions affect required thickness. Commercial, street and heavy-duty work needs project-specific design.
Supplier call checklist
Before you order
- Confirm the aggregate type is appropriate for your paver system and local conditions.
- Ask whether the quote uses cubic yards, US tons, metric tonnes or bags.
- Replace the default density with the supplier’s material value.
- Confirm whether their quoted quantity already accounts for compaction or overage.
- Check delivery minimums, truck access and where the load can be placed.
- Verify the base depth with a qualified installer or designer when soil, drainage, frost or loads are uncertain.
Best use
Bring a clear preliminary takeoff—not a mystery number.
Use the copied summary to tell a supplier exactly which dimensions, depths, densities and allowances produced the result.
Adjust your estimateCommon questions
Frequently asked questions
How much paver base do I need?
Multiply the project area by the compacted base depth, convert that volume to cubic yards, then add allowances for compaction and handling. Convert cubic yards to tons using the density for the material your supplier will deliver.
How deep should a paver base be?
For ideal conditions, CMHA lists 4 inches for pedestrian patios and walks, 6 inches for residential driveways, and 8 inches for parking lots or residential streets. Weak soil, poor drainage, freezing, or heavier loads can require more.
Does the estimate include compaction?
Yes. The default calculation adds a 15% planning allowance to the base gravel, then adds the selected waste allowance. These are editable because moisture, gradation, placement method and supplier practice can change the order quantity.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet. The calculator divides the adjusted cubic-foot volume by 27 before applying density.
Is bedding sand included?
Yes. Bedding sand is estimated as a separate layer with its own depth, density, bag count and optional price. You can also use the dedicated paver sand calculator.
Can I use the result as a contractor bid?
No. This is a preliminary material planning estimate, not a structural design, code check, supplier order, contractor bid or warranty. Confirm the site section and final purchase quantity with appropriate professionals and suppliers.
Keep planning