Paver Base & Sand Calculator
Paver patios don't fail at the paver — they fail underneath, in a base that was too thin or never compacted. This calculator takes your patio dimensions and returns the two materials the ground actually needs: crushed base stone (4" or 6") and bedding sand (1"), each in cubic yards and tons.
How this calculator works
Base gravel = area × base depth × 1.4 tons/cu yd, using crusher run / #411 dense-grade that compacts solid. Bedding sand = area × 1", in tons at 1.3 tons/cu yd — use washed concrete sand, never fine play sand or stone dust. Compact the gravel in 2" lifts with a plate compactor; screed the sand but never compact it before setting pavers.
Frequently asked questions
How much base do I need under pavers?
4" of compacted crushed stone for patios and walkways, 6–8" for driveways or clay soil, plus exactly 1" of bedding sand on top. For a 16×12 patio that's about 2.4 tons... of stone at 4", plus around 0.8 tons of sand.
Can I use stone dust instead of sand under pavers?
Manufacturer guidelines (ICPI) say no — stone dust holds water and prevents proper drainage, leading to shifting and efflorescence. Use washed concrete sand (ASTM C33). Stone dust belongs in the base blend, not the bedding layer.
Do I need to compact the base for a small patio?
Always. Un-compacted base settles unevenly within the first freeze-thaw or heavy-rain cycle, and re-leveling means pulling up the pavers. A plate compactor rents for $60–$90 a day and is non-negotiable — run it in 2" layers, not one thick pass.