Paver Base Calculator — Gravel Base & Bedding Sand
Enter your paver area and gravel base depth to get how much base gravel and 1-inch bedding sand you need, in cubic yards, tons, and bags.
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How it works
base gravel (cu yd) = area × (depth_in ÷ 12) ÷ 27; bedding sand (cu yd) = area × (1 ÷ 12) ÷ 27
Paver base & bedding sand by patio size (4 in base, 1 in sand)
| Patio area | Base gravel (cu yd) | Base gravel (tons) | Bedding sand (cu yd) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | 0.62 | 0.86 | 0.15 |
| 100 sq ft | 1.23 | 1.73 | 0.31 |
| 150 sq ft | 1.85 | 2.59 | 0.46 |
| 200 sq ft | 2.47 | 3.46 | 0.62 |
| 300 sq ft | 3.70 | 5.19 | 0.93 |
Base gravel assumes 4 inches compacted (use 6+ for driveways) at ~1.4 tons per cubic yard, plus a 1-inch bedding-sand layer. Polymeric joint sand is separate — see the FAQ.
Frequently asked questions
How much gravel do I need under pavers?
Use a 4-inch compacted gravel (crushed stone) base for patios and walkways, and 6 inches or more for driveways. A 100 sq ft patio needs about 1.23 cubic yards — roughly 1.7 tons — of base gravel at 4 inches.
How much paver sand do I need?
Spread a 1-inch bedding-sand layer over the compacted base: about 0.31 cubic yard per 100 sq ft, or roughly 20 of the 0.5 cu ft bags. That is separate from the polymeric sand that fills the joints.
What is the difference between bedding sand and polymeric sand?
Bedding (paver) sand is the 1-inch leveling layer under the pavers. Polymeric sand fills the joints on top and hardens when wetted. A bag of polymeric sand covers roughly 25–100 sq ft depending on paver size and joint width — small pavers and wide joints use much more.