Hardscape base material estimator

Paver Base Calculator

Estimate compacted paver base from patio or walkway area, base depth, compaction factor, waste, density, bag yield, and material cost. Use it with pavers, bedding sand, polymeric sand, and edge restraint before ordering aggregate.

Units

Paver area (ft²)Compacted base depth (in)Compaction factor Waste / edge loss (%)Bulk density (tons/yd³)Bag yield (ft³)Cost per ton or tonne ($)

Base volume

Estimated weight

Bag count

Rough cost

Base depth depends on the site and load

This calculator estimates aggregate quantity only. Soil, drainage, geotextile, compaction, freeze-thaw, vehicular loads, edge restraint, slope, and local installation specs can change the real base depth and order quantity.

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Estimate edging sections and spikes after the base is planned.

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Paver base formula

Raw base yd³ = area ft² × base depth in ÷ 324

Order volume = raw volume × compaction factor × (1 + waste %)

Tons = order yd³ × density tons per yd³

Bags = order ft³ ÷ bag yield

Sample takeoff

A 200 ft² patio with a 6 in base, 1.15 compaction factor, 10% waste, and 1.55 tons per yd³ density needs about 4.69 yd³, 7.3 tons, or 253 small bags if each bag yields 0.5 ft³.An 18.6 m² patio with a 150 mm base, 1.15 compaction factor, 10% waste, and 1.7 t/m³ density needs about 3.53 m³, 6.0 tonnes, or 253 small bags if each bag yields 0.014 m³.

Paver Base Calculator FAQ

How do I calculate paver base?+

Multiply the paved area by compacted base depth, convert to cubic yards or cubic meters, then add compaction and waste before converting to tons or bags.Multiply the paved area by compacted base depth, convert to cubic yards or cubic meters, then add compaction and waste before converting to tons or bags.

What base depth should I use?+

Use the depth required by the paver system, soil, climate, drainage, and load. Pedestrian patios often use less base than driveways or poor soils.Use the depth required by the paver system, soil, climate, drainage, and load. Pedestrian patios often use less base than driveways or poor soils.

Does this replace compaction testing?+

No. It is a material estimate. Lift thickness, moisture, compaction equipment, geotextile, and base gradation must match the job requirements.No. It is a material estimate. Lift thickness, moisture, compaction equipment, geotextile, and base gradation must match the job requirements.