Free estimate — verify against local code before building
Paver Base Calculator
Estimate excavation, loose base aggregate, bedding sand, and pavers from the planned pavement layers.
What this calculator includes
Build a layer-by-layer patio or walkway takeoff from the actual footprint. The calculator separates compacted design depth from loose aggregate delivery, exposes the density and compaction assumptions, and keeps excavation, bedding sand, and surface pavers visible as distinct quantities.
How to use this paver base calculator
- 01
Choose and measure the footprint
Use rectangle for length by width or circle for a measured diameter. Split irregular patios into simple shapes and add the material orders.
- 02
Enter designed layer depths
Use the excavation, compacted base, and bedding-sand depths from the site-specific pavement design. The calculator does not choose them from traffic or soil.
- 03
Match supplier assumptions
Replace base compaction allowance, tons per yard, paver face dimensions, waste, and prices with the selected products and local supplier quote.
- 04
Plan the full patio workflow
Use the linked paver-patio workflow for joint sand, edge restraint, fabric, drainage, disposal, cutting, and project pricing beyond this base-focused takeoff.
Worked example
Example: 20 by 12 foot patio
A 240-square-foot rectangle with 8 inches of excavation, 4 inches of compacted base, 1 inch of sand, 15% loose compaction, and 10% waste produces about 5.93 cubic yards of excavation. At 1.5 tons per yard, the purchase estimate rounds to 6 tons of base, 1 cubic yard of bedding sand, and 1,188 eight-by-four-inch pavers.
Practical buying and overage guidance
Get the base density and minimum delivery increment from the aggregate supplier, and the exact paver face size and pallet quantity from the selected product. Keep bedding and joint sands separate; they serve different parts of the pavement system.
Continue the project
Plan a Paver Patio
Plan patio excavation, paver base, sand, pavers, edging, delivery weight, landscape tie-ins, and a contractor-ready project price.
Open the project workflow →Calculation sources and review
Primary references and formula assumptions are linked so you can verify them against the selected product, supplier, and adopted local requirements.
Internal formula review completed July 13, 2026. What this review covers
- Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (opens in a new tab)
Industry technical resources for segmental concrete pavement systems and construction practice.
- ASTM International - C33 aggregate specification (opens in a new tab)
Reference for aggregate grading terminology; the selected pavement specification controls actual materials.
Frequently asked questions
Why are compacted and loose paver-base volumes different?
Design depth describes the finished compacted layer. Delivered aggregate starts looser, so the calculator applies an editable compaction allowance before converting to supplier yards and tons.
How many tons of paver base are in a cubic yard?
It varies by gradation, moisture, and supplier. The calculator uses an editable tons-per-yard value and shows both volume and weight so the quarry's current conversion can replace the planning default.
Does excavation include paver thickness?
Excavation is exactly area times the depth you enter. Make that input match the actual section, including base, bedding, paver thickness, desired finish elevation, and any over-excavation required by the design.
How much bedding sand should I order?
The calculator multiplies area by entered sand depth, adds the selected waste allowance, and rounds bulk material to the supplier increment you enter. Use the pavement-system specification rather than sand to correct an uneven base.
Does this replace the full paver calculator?
No. This is a fast base-layer companion. The full Paver Patio & Walkway Calculator also handles multiple areas, patterns, pallets, joint sand, edging, spikes, geotextile, weight, and delivery.