Base depth by load
4 in of crushed base for walkways and patios; 6+ in for driveways.
paver base calculator
Paver Base Calculator
Estimate the two layers under a paver patio or walkway: a compacted crushed-stone base and a thin bedding-sand layer. Enter the area and each layer depth, and this calculator returns the cubic yards and tons of each — plus the total to order, with waste you control.
Quick answer
A 120 sq ft patio needs a crushed-stone base plus bedding sand — about 2.8 tons total — with 10% waste.
You order: 2.8 tonsStandard industry factors
Enter your project
Build your estimate
Start with a preset
Live result
2.8 tons
What you order
- Crushed-stone base1.63 cu yd / 2.3 tons
- Bedding sand0.41 cu yd / 0.6 tons
- Total to order2.8 tons
Standard industry factors · confirm with your supplier
The model, unpacked
Scenario breakdown
12 × 10 ft patio, 4 in base + 1 in sand
Crushed-stone base
1.63 cu yd / 2.3 tons
Bedding sand
0.41 cu yd / 0.6 tons
Total to order
2.8 tons
You may also need
Materials for the same job
Planning a full project? Most jobs use more than one material. You will often pair concrete, gravel, sand and asphalt with paver base on the same site.
Interpret the output
What makes this move?
A trustworthy estimate explains the levers behind the number. These are the factors that change how much you need to order.
Bedding sand is thin and fixed
About 1 in — more than that invites rutting under the pavers.
Compaction
The crushed base compacts, so order the overage to reach the finished depth.
FAQ
Common questions
Straight answers about quantities, conversions, and how much to order — no lead-gen fog.
4 in of crushed stone for patios and walkways, 6–8 in for driveways, plus about 1 in of bedding sand.