CalcWoven

CalcWoven

CALCWOVEN • PAVER BASE

Paver Base Calculator

Estimate compacted paver base volume, suggested order volume, tons, bags and cost for a patio, walkway or residential driveway. Use supplier density when available. Results update as you type.

Project area

Base depth

These presets are starting points for ideal conditions. Weak soil, poor drainage, freeze-thaw cycles or heavier traffic may require more depth. See Paver Base Depth.

Weight and ordering

1.40 tons/yd³ is a planning value for loose crushed stone. Use your supplier’s product-specific density when available. Extra material is an ordering allowance, not a compaction ratio.

Cost (optional)

Suggested order

—
US tons (estimated)
  • Project area—
  • Compacted base—
  • Order volume incl. extra—
  • Cubic feet—
  • Cubic meters—
  • Metric tonnes—
  • Bags needed—
  • Estimated cost—

Results update as you type.

Formula: area × compacted depth = compacted base volume; extra material is added to estimate an order quantity.

HOW IT WORKS

Calculate the compacted base first

Project area × compacted base depth gives the finished base volume. The calculator then adds your selected extra-material allowance to estimate how much loose aggregate to order. That allowance helps with grade variation and handling loss; it is not a universal compaction factor.

What base depth should you use?

CalcWoven uses the same starting points as the Paver Base Depth guide: 4 inches for patios and walkways and 6 inches for residential driveways under ideal, well-drained conditions. Weak soil, poor drainage, freezing climates or heavier traffic can require a deeper section.

Use supplier density when possible

The default 1.40 US tons per cubic yard is a planning value for loose crushed stone. Base materials vary by quarry, gradation and moisture, so supplier weight should override the default when you are ordering by the ton.

QUICK ANSWERS

Common questions

How much base do I need for a 200 sq ft patio?

At a 4-inch compacted depth, 200 square feet needs about 2.47 cubic yards of compacted base. With 10% extra material, the suggested order is about 2.72 cubic yards before applying a supplier-specific density.

Is 4 inches enough for a paver patio?

It can be an appropriate minimum starting point over strong, well-drained soil in favorable conditions. Site conditions can require more, so confirm local requirements and installation guidance.

Does bedding sand count as paver base?

No. Bedding sand is a separate layer above the compacted aggregate base. Use the Sand Calculator for that layer.

Planning the full paver project?

Use the Paver Calculator for paver quantity, joint spacing and waste. Read Paver Base Depth to choose a starting depth, then follow How to Install Pavers for the full sequence.