# Paver Base and Sand Calculator

Gravel base and bedding sand from one area figure.

- Page: https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/paver-base
- Category: Earthwork (https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/c/earthwork)
- Chinese version: https://jianzhujisuan.com/zh/paver-base.md
- Data checked: 2026-10-25

## Quick result

With the default inputs (Paved area 200 ft², Base depth (compacted) 4 in, Bedding sand depth 1 in): **Gravel base 2.96 yd³**

## Inputs

| Parameter | Type | Default | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paved area | number | 200 | ft² |  |
| Base depth (compacted) | number | 4 | in |  |
| Bedding sand depth | number | 1 | in |  |

## 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**: 

## Worked example

200 ft² with 4 in of base and 1 in of sand: base compacts to 66.7 ft³, loose 80 ft³ = 2.96 yd³ or about 4.2 tons; sand is 16.7 ft³, 1670 lb, 34 bags of 50 lb. Excavation is 5 in plus the paver thickness for the finished depth.

## Questions

### Why keep the sand bed to 1 inch?

The sand only levels and beds the units, it does not carry load. Past about 1.5 in the sand flows sideways underfoot, the pavers go out of plane, and once rain washes it away the surface starts to settle. Build the base to within 3/8 in and put down 1 in of sand. If the base is out, redo the base - sand is not a levelling fix.

### Is 4 inches of base enough?

4 in is fine for walkways and patios, 6 in for a car driveway, 8-10 in for an RV or truck. Soil matters too: clay needs extra depth plus a geotextile separator, while sandy soil can use the standard depths. Compact in lifts of 4 in or less - 8 in placed at once only compacts at the surface.

### Do I sweep sand into the joints afterwards?

Yes. After compacting, sweep fine sand into the joints, water it in and repeat two or three times until the joints hold. That sand locks the units and stops lateral movement. Polymeric sand lasts longer but needs dry conditions, cannot be topped up after wetting and costs noticeably more. Joint sand runs about 1-2 bags of 50 lb per 100 ft².

## Related tools

- [Earthwork Calculator](https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/earthwork): Enter pit dimensions and slope ratio to get cut volume, backfill and spoil to remove.
- [Backfill Volume Calculator](https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/backfill): Backfill volume, soil required, surplus to remove and truck loads.
- [Compaction Degree Calculator](https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/compaction): Dry density and compaction degree from field density, with a pass/fail check.
- [Gravel Base Calculator (Yards & Tons)](https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/gravel-base-yards): Feet and inches to cubic yards and tons by stone type.
- [Asphalt Tonnage Calculator](https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/asphalt-tonnage): Area and thickness to tons, plus coverage per ton.
- [Mulch Calculator](https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/mulch-yardage): Area and depth to cubic yards and bags.

---

Generated by BuildCalc. All calculations run in your browser; no data is uploaded. Formulas follow national standards and common trade practice; local codes govern.