Formulas
Base (yd³) = Area × Base depth ÷ 12 ÷ 27 × (1 + Compaction)
Sand (yd³) = Area × Sand depth ÷ 12 ÷ 27
Pavers = Area ÷ Paver area × (1 + Waste)
Sand (yd³) = Area × Sand depth ÷ 12 ÷ 27
Pavers = Area ÷ Paver area × (1 + Waste)
Example: A 12 × 12 ft patio (144 sq ft) with a 4-inch base needs 1.78 cubic yards of gravel, or 2.04 cubic yards (about 3.1 tons) after adding 15% for compaction. The 1-inch sand bed takes 0.44 yd³ (24 half-cubic-foot bags), and 4 × 8 in pavers with 5% waste come to 681 pavers.
Installation steps
- Excavate to the base depth + sand + paver thickness.
- Compact the base in 2-inch lifts with a plate compactor.
- Screed the sand level, lay pavers, then sweep in joint sand and compact again.
Indoor project? Count floor tiles with the tile calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should a paver base be?
4 inches of compacted gravel for walkways and patios, 6 inches on clay soil, and 8–12 inches for driveways — plus a 1-inch layer of bedding sand.
How much extra gravel for compaction?
Loose gravel compacts by roughly 15–25%, so order extra. The calculator adds 15% by default.
How many pavers do I need?
Divide the area by the area of one paver and add 5–10% for cuts and breakage (more for diagonal or herringbone patterns). A 12 × 12 ft patio with 4 × 8 in pavers needs about 681 pavers including 5% waste.
What gravel is best for a paver base?
Angular crushed stone with fines, sold as road base, crusher run or ¾″ minus. It locks together when compacted; round pea gravel does not.