Step 1 base
74 bags
Paver base bags
Use the base bag count for small patios and walkways. For larger projects, compare against bulk crushed stone.
Paver base calculator
Paver base calculator for gravel and leveling sand.
Estimate compacted gravel base, leveling sand, cubic yards, tons, and bag counts for patios, walkways, and small paver projects.
Quick reference
Paver base and sand for common patio sizes
A 4 in compacted gravel base and 1 in of leveling sand, including the default 10% extra.
| Patio size | Base yards | Base tons | Sand yards | Sand tons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 10 ft | 1.36 yd³ | 1.6 tons | 0.34 yd³ | 0.4 tons |
| 12 x 12 ft | 1.96 yd³ | 2.4 tons | 0.49 yd³ | 0.6 tons |
| 12 x 16 ft | 2.61 yd³ | 3.2 tons | 0.65 yd³ | 0.8 tons |
| 16 x 20 ft | 4.35 yd³ | 5.3 tons | 1.09 yd³ | 1.4 tons |
| 20 x 20 ft | 5.43 yd³ | 6.6 tons | 1.36 yd³ | 1.8 tons |
Excavate 6 to 12 in wider than the pavers on each side so the edge restraint sits on base.
Quick paver base answers
Common patio and walkway checks
10 x 10 patio
1.36 yd³ base
0.34 yd³ sand
74 base bags / 19 sand bags
12 x 12 patio
1.96 yd³ base
0.49 yd³ sand
106 base bags / 27 sand bags
3 x 30 walkway
1.22 yd³ base
0.31 yd³ sand
66 base bags / 17 sand bags
Shopping list
Base, sand, and finish materials
Step 2 sand
74 bags
Leveling sand
Use the sand bag count for the bedding layer after the gravel base is compacted and screeded.
Finish materials
Polymeric sand and edging
Joint sand and edge restraint are separate from the base, but they are usually part of the same shopping trip.
Optional tools
Tamper, screed pipe, and fabric
Compaction, screeding, and separation fabric can matter as much as the material quantity.
Formula shown
How paver base estimates work
Base gravel
area sq ft x gravel depth in / 12
Leveling sand
area sq ft x sand depth in / 12
Yards, tons, and bags
yd³ = ft³ / 27; tons = yd³ x density; bags = ceil(ft³ / bag size)
Sources
- Inch Calculator Paver Base Calculator — base gravel and sand estimating method for paver projects
- Home Depot Paver Calculator — retailer paver project flow and material checklist context
- Lowe's Paver Calculator — paver project estimator and waste guidance
- Brock PaverBase material checklist — leveling sand and paver-base panel material checklist context
Sources checked
Checked against
Bulk densities, bag sizes, and coverage depths checked against supplier and retail product specs.
How we check our numbersLast updated: June 21, 2026
Estimate only.
This calculator is not a quote. Verify product yield, price, delivery minimums, and local conditions with your supplier or contractor before buying materials.
FAQ
Paver base calculator questions
Quick answers for compacted gravel, leveling sand, bag counts, bulk yards, and paver project boundaries.
How much paver base do I need? + -
Measure the patio or walkway area, multiply by compacted gravel depth, and convert cubic feet to cubic yards. This calculator also estimates the leveling sand layer separately.
How deep should paver base be? + -
Many patios and walkways use about 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel base plus about 1 inch of leveling sand. Driveways and heavier loads may require deeper base and local guidance.
Why are gravel base and leveling sand separate? + -
The compacted gravel layer supports and drains the pavers. The sand layer is a thin bedding layer used to level the pavers after the gravel base is compacted.
Should I buy paver base in bags or bulk? + -
Bags work for smaller patios and walkways. Bulk crushed stone or paver base often makes sense for larger jobs, but delivery minimums and access matter.
Does this include pavers and joint sand? + -
No. This page estimates the base and leveling sand below the pavers. Paver count, edge restraint, and joint sand should be estimated separately.