Paver Base and Sand Calculator
Gravel base and bedding sand from one area figure.
Also known as paver sub base · sand bedding · paver sand
With the default inputs: Paved area 200 ft² · Base depth 4 in · Bedding sand depth 1 inGravel base 2.96 yd³
Use your own dimensions ↓Inputs
Result
| Base in tons | 4.20ton |
| Loose base volume | 80.0ft³ |
| Bedding sand volume | 16.7ft³ |
| Sand weight | 1667lb |
| Sand in 50 lb bags | 34bags |
| Max sand depth | 1.00in |
| Total excavation | 5.0in |
How this is worked out
Base depth is given compacted, but you buy loose volume - graded stone settles about 20%, hence the loose volume line. Bedding sand is 1 in and never more than 1.5 in: a thick sand bed is why pavers rock and settle, and levelling an uneven base by adding sand is the single most common error. Total excavation is base plus sand, but add the paver thickness itself (commonly 2⅜ in) to work out the finished level against surrounding ground. Use concrete or masonry sand, not beach sand and not anything high in clay.
Next up: Backfill Volume Calculator · Earthwork Calculator
Reverse: known result, work out one input
Enter a target result; the other inputs stay fixed and this one is worked out.
Formula
| Loose base = area × depth/12 × 1.2 | 20% compaction allowance |
| Base yards = loose volume ÷ 27 | |
| Sand volume = area × sand depth/12 | sand is not compacted |
| Sand bags = weight at 100 lb/ft³ ÷ 50 |
How to work it out
- Measure the paved area and deduct anything not being paved.
- Set the compacted base depth: 4 in for foot traffic, 6 in for cars, 8-10 in for trucks.
- Loose base = compacted volume x 1.2, since graded stone settles about 20%.
- Bedding sand is 1 in and should never exceed 1.5 in.
- Dig depth = base + sand + paver thickness, commonly 2⅜ in for block pavers.
Where it goes wrong
- Using sand to level an uneven base - past 1.5 in the sand flows underfoot, the pavers rock, and this is the number one paving failure.
- Placing 8 in of base and compacting once - only the surface densifies and it ruts within a wet season.
- Forgetting paver thickness in the dig depth - the finished surface ends up proud of the lawn and thresholds are a nightmare.
Material and cost
Base gravel runs USD 40-80 per yard and sand 30-50 per yard or 4-6 per 50 lb bag. Paving complete, including excavation, base, sand, units and cutting, commonly runs USD 10-25 per ft², with the pavers themselves at 30-50% of that. DIY on 200 ft² is roughly 400-800 in materials.
On site
- Compact the base with a plate in two lifts of 4 in or less, until it takes a boot without marking.
- Screed the sand off 2 in pipes as rails - far flatter than working by feel.
- Plate over the finished pavers with a rubber mat and then sweep sand in; do it the other way round and the joints never fill.
Basis
- ASTM D448 Standard Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and Bridge Construction
- ICPI Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute technical guidance (base and bedding sand depths)
- AASHTO M 147 Standard Specification for Materials for Aggregate and Soil-Aggregate Subbase, Base and Surface Courses
FAQ
Why keep the sand bed to 1 inch?
Is 4 inches of base enough?
Do I sweep sand into the joints afterwards?
Cite this page
Use this format in reports, method statements or coursework. The link is permanent.
Building Calculator. Paver Base and Sand Calculator. 2026-10-25. https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/paver-base