Paver/Patio Base Calculator
Estimate gravel sub-base and sand bedding together for a patio. Set separate layer depths, imperial or metric units, densities and waste allowance.
Add 5–10% for waste and uneven ground; default 10%.
Planning defaults: gravel 1,500 kg/m³ and sand 1,600 kg/m³. These are loose bulk-density estimates, not prescribed compacted layer specifications.
Sand density varies with moisture and compaction; adjust for your supplier.
About the Paver/Patio Base Calculator
A paving project commonly needs two distinct materials: a load-supporting aggregate base and a thin sand bedding layer. Enter one footprint and separate depths for both layers. The results keep gravel and sand volumes and weights separate, then show a combined transport estimate. Do not use the combined total to order just one material.
Depth requirements depend on traffic, drainage, soil strength, climate and the paving manufacturer. This calculator estimates quantities; it does not design a foundation. For a 4 m by 3 m patio with a 15 cm gravel layer and 3 cm sand layer, geometric volumes are 1.8 m³ and 0.36 m³. With 10% allowance they become 1.98 m³ and 0.396 m³. Waste is not a measured loose-to-compacted conversion factor.
Each layer depth has its own dropdown, so meters for the footprint and centimeters for both depths work directly. Adjust gravel and sand bulk densities separately using supplier data. For single-material jobs use the Gravel Calculator or Sand Calculator. A poured slab requires the Concrete Calculator; surrounding planted areas may need the Topsoil Calculator instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the default depths a construction recommendation?
No. Layer depths are planning inputs. Follow your paving manufacturer's guidance or an appropriate site design for soil, drainage, frost and expected loads.
Is the combined weight suitable for ordering?
It helps estimate total transport load, but order the gravel and sand separately using their individual volume or weight results.
Does 10% waste automatically account for compaction?
No. Compaction varies by material and placement method. Use the specified loose-to-compacted allowance or supplier guidance rather than assuming one universal percentage.
Take this calculation further
Browse the other calculators collection for more tools in this subject.
For a related calculation, use Riprap Calculator to estimate erosion-control rock volume and weight using riprap bulk density and metric or imperial dimensions. Alternatively, use Topsoil Calculator to calculate garden topsoil volume and weight in cubic yards, cubic meters, tons or tonnes.