Landscaping Materials

Paver Base Calculator

Paver base is the compacted crushed-stone layer that sits under the sand bed. Enter your patio dimensions and base depth (typically 4 inches for patios, 6 inches for driveways) to get cubic yards, tons, and bag count.

Area
ft
ft
in
%

Order paver base

1.5 cu yd

net 0.99 cu yd

Approximate weight

1.4 tons

2,800 lb

50 lb bags

62

without waste 54

Area

80 sq ft

Cubic feet

26.7 cu ft

Cubic meters

0.76 m³

Assumptions

  • Paver base density: about 105 lb per cubic foot (roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard).
  • 15 percent waste allowance for compaction and edging losses.
  • Order quantity rounded up to the nearest half cubic yard.

How the paver base layer works

Under every paver patio there are two hidden layers: a compacted crushed-stone base (this calculator) and a 1 inch bedding sand layer on top. The base carries the load and drains water. Skipping it or using the wrong material is the most common reason patios settle, heave, or crack within a year.

Depth by use

  • Walkway or patio: 4 inches compacted base
  • Driveway: 6 to 8 inches compacted base
  • Freeze-thaw climate: add 2 inches to either

Waste allowance

Compaction reduces loose-volume delivery by roughly 15 to 20 percent. This calculator defaults to a 15 percent waste allowance to cover both compaction and losses at the perimeter.

Frequently asked questions

Related calculators

Educational estimates only. Not financial, tax, or legal advice.

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