Free Calculator
Paver Base Calculator — How Much Paver Base Do I Need?
Tons of paver base for the foundation under your pavers.
3. Enter Dimensions
Your order summary lands here
As soon as the dimensions are valid, you will see the recommended quantity, truckload count, and the ZIP pricing step.
Paver base is the compactable stone layer under pavers — typically 4 inches of crushed concrete or limerock screenings topped with 1 inch of mason sand. Use this calculator for the base layer.
How to use this paver base calculator
- 1
Measure the paver area
Length × width in feet. Add about 6 inches of base extension past the paver edge for proper edge support.
- 2
Pick a depth
Patios and walkways: 4 inches compacted. Driveway pavers: 6 inches compacted. Soft subgrade: add 2 inches.
- 3
Add 1 inch of mason sand on top
After the base is compacted, screed 1 inch of mason sand as the setting bed for the pavers — use the sand calculator for that quantity.
- 4
Enter your ZIP
Florida ZIPs return delivered pricing per ton.
How the math works
Volume in cubic yards equals Length × Width × Depth ÷ 27. Crushed concrete paver base density is about 1.2 tons per cubic yard.
Base material compacts about 20–25% from loose to final. The calculator buffer accounts for this.
A pro paver install is: 4 inches compacted base + 1 inch screeded mason sand + the paver itself. Skip the base and the pavers shift, settle, and pop within a season.
How much does paver base cover?
Quick reference for how much area one ton and one cubic yard cover at common depths.
| Depth | 1 ton covers | 1 cubic yard covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1" | 231 sq ft | 324 sq ft |
| 2" | 116 sq ft | 162 sq ft |
| 3" | 77 sq ft | 108 sq ft |
| 4" | 58 sq ft | 81 sq ft |
| 6" | 39 sq ft | 54 sq ft |
| 12" | 19 sq ft | 27 sq ft |
Assumes a density of about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, typical for #57 limerock and most washed gravels. Denser crushed stone covers slightly less per ton.
Typical quantities by project
| Project | Depth | Area | Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paver patio 200 sq ft | 4" | 200 sq ft | ~4 tons base + 1.5 tons sand |
| Walkway 4 ft × 30 ft | 4" | 120 sq ft | ~2.5 tons base |
| Driveway pavers 600 sq ft | 6" | 600 sq ft | ~18 tons base |
| Pool deck 400 sq ft | 4" | 400 sq ft | ~8 tons base |
| Front entry 80 sq ft | 4" | 80 sq ft | ~1.5 tons base |
Common ordering mistakes
From real deliveries, these are the mistakes we see most often. Avoiding any one of them saves a callback order.
Base too thin
A 1–2 inch base under pavers fails. Patios need 4 inches compacted. Driveways need 6 inches.
Skipping compaction lifts
A single 6-inch dump never compacts properly. Place and compact in 2-inch lifts.
Wrong setting bed
Concrete sand is too coarse for paver setting. Use mason sand at 1 inch screeded depth — see the sand calculator.
Base flush with grade
A flush install lets water sit on the pavers. Slope 1/4 inch per foot for drainage.
No edge restraint
Pavers spread without edge restraints. Plastic or steel edging, or a concrete toe — pick one before the first paver goes down.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to see delivered pricing?
Jump back to the calculator to price the exact quantity for your ZIP, or request a manual quote if the project needs special handling.