Paver Base Calculator

How to Use This Paver Base Calculator

A proper base is the difference between pavers that last decades and pavers that settle, shift, and crack within a few years. This calculator helps you order the exact amount of gravel and sand so you don't end up with expensive leftover material.

Measure your paver area. Measure the length and width of the finished paver surface in feet. The calculator automatically adds overhang for the base material.
Select your project type. Patios need 4" of base. Driveways need 6-8" because they support vehicle weight. Pool decks fall in between at 6".
Choose your paver type. This affects weight estimates for delivery planning. Brick pavers are heavier than concrete pavers.
Review the material list. Order gravel and sand in cubic yards for bulk delivery, or convert to tons if your supplier sells by weight.

Paver Base Formula

The base area is larger than the paver area because it extends beyond the edges:

Base Area = (Length + 2 × Overhang) × (Width + 2 × Overhang)
Gravel (cu yd) = Base Area × Base Depth ÷ 12 ÷ 27
Sand (cu yd) = Base Area × Sand Depth ÷ 12 ÷ 27
Edging = Perimeter of paver area

The standard 6-inch overhang on each side ensures the base fully supports the edge pavers and edge restraints. Without adequate overhang, edge pavers lack support and shift outward.

Sample Paver Base Calculations

Project	Base Depth	Sand	Gravel (yd³)	Sand (yd³)	Edging
Patio 10×12	4"	1"	1.48	0.37	44 ft
Walkway 3×20	4"	1"	0.74	0.19	46 ft
Driveway 12×20	8"	1"	5.93	0.74	64 ft
Patio 16×16	4"	1"	3.16	0.79	64 ft
Pool Deck 20×20	6"	1"	7.41	1.23	80 ft

Common Paver Base Mistakes

Insufficient compaction. Each 2-inch layer of gravel must be compacted with a plate compactor before adding the next layer. Uncompacted base settles unevenly, causing paver dips and cracks.
Wrong gravel type. Round gravel (pea gravel, river rock) never locks together no matter how much you compact it. Always use angular crushed stone.
Too much bedding sand. More than 1.5 inches of sand allows pavers to rock and shift. Screed to exactly 1 inch using pipe rails.
Skipping geotextile fabric. Fabric between soil and gravel prevents base material from mixing with subsoil, especially in clay-heavy ground. It costs $0.10-0.25/sq ft and saves thousands in future repairs.
Not grading for drainage. The base should slope 1/8" to 1/4" per foot away from structures. Water pooling under pavers leads to settling, frost heave, and efflorescence staining.

Worked Example: 12 × 16 ft Patio

Building a backyard patio with concrete pavers:

Paver area: 12 × 16 = 192 sq ft
Project type: Patio (4" base + 1" sand)
Base overhang: 6 inches per side

Step 1: Base area = (12 + 1) × (16 + 1) = 13 × 17 = 221 sq ft

Step 2: Gravel = 221 × (4/12) ÷ 27 = 2.73 cubic yards (~3.7 tons)

Step 3: Sand = 221 × (1/12) ÷ 27 = 0.68 cubic yards (~0.9 tons)

Step 4: Edging = 2×(12+16) = 56 linear feet

At $35/yd³ for gravel and $40/yd³ for sand: $96 + $27 = $123 for base materials. Add $100-150 for edging and spikes. The pavers themselves cost $3-6/sq ft ($576-1,152 for this project).

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep should a paver base be?

Patios and walkways need a minimum 4-inch compacted gravel base. Driveways require 6-8 inches because they support vehicle weight. In areas with freeze-thaw cycles, add 2-4 inches to prevent heaving. All projects need 1 inch of leveling sand on top of the gravel base. Proper base depth is the single most important factor in paver longevity.

What type of gravel is best for a paver base?

Use ¾" crushed stone (also called "process" or "¾ minus") for the main base layer. Its angular edges interlock when compacted, creating a stable foundation. Avoid round gravel (pea gravel, river rock)—it shifts under load. Top the crushed stone base with concrete sand (coarse, sharp sand), NOT play sand or masonry sand.

How much sand do I need under pavers?

Apply exactly 1 inch of bedding sand over the compacted gravel base. Too little sand prevents proper leveling. Too much sand (over 1.5 inches) allows pavers to shift and settle unevenly. Use concrete sand or ASTM C33 sand. Screed the sand using 1-inch pipe rails for a perfectly even surface.

Do I need edge restraints for pavers?

Yes, always. Without edge restraints, pavers spread apart over time, allowing weed growth and shifting. Use aluminum or plastic paver edging secured with 10-12 inch landscape spikes every 12 inches. For driveways, use concrete curbing or metal edging. Edge restraints should be installed after the pavers are laid but before polymeric sand.

How much does a paver patio cost?

DIY paver patios cost $5-10 per square foot for materials (pavers, base, sand, edging). Professional installation adds $8-15/sq ft for labor. A typical 12×16 ft patio costs $1,000-1,900 DIY or $2,500-4,800 installed. Driveway pavers cost more due to the deeper base requirement—$8-15/sq ft DIY, $15-30/sq ft installed.

Can I lay pavers on existing concrete?

Yes, if the concrete is in good condition (no major cracks or heaving). Apply a thin layer of polymeric sand or mortar over the concrete, then set pavers directly on top. This method is called "overlay" and saves the cost of excavation and base material. The concrete must drain properly—drill weep holes if needed.