Paver Base Calculator
Estimate aggregate-base tonnage, bedding-sand volume, geotextile area and material cost for a rectangular paver project.
Default project preview
9.17 short tons
Bedding sand
1.02 yd³
Project area
300 ft²
Fabric order
330 ft²
Base volume
6.11 yd³
Calculator
Build the material order
Your order will appear here
Enter the project details and calculate a rounded material estimate.
Input and output guide
What each value means
The labels and units below are part of this calculator’s visible methodology. Replace every default with measurements or product data from the actual project.
Project length
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 20 ft.
Project width
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 15 ft.
Compacted base depth
Enter this project assumption in in. The current imperial default is 6 in.
Bedding sand depth
Enter this project assumption in in. The current imperial default is 1 in.
Extra allowance
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 10 %. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 50.
Base density
Enter this project assumption in short tons/yd³. The current imperial default is 1.5 short tons/yd³.
Base price per ton
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 45. Minimum: 0.
Sand price per volume
Enter this project assumption in per yd³. The current imperial default is 50 per yd³. Minimum: 0.
How to read the outputs
Bedding sand
1 in layer. Default preview: 1.02 yd³.
Project area
paver footprint. Default preview: 300 ft².
Fabric order
allowance included. Default preview: 330 ft².
Base volume
compacted design layer. Default preview: 6.11 yd³.
Base cost
entered ton price. Default preview: $412.50.
Base plus sand
bulk material estimate. Default preview: $463.43.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Layer volume = project area × layer depth × allowance factor. Base tonnage = aggregate-base volume × entered density.
Reviewed project guidance
How to use this estimate in a real project
Last reviewed: July 29, 2026
Use this calculator to estimate compacted paver-base aggregate and loose purchasing quantity beneath a patio or walkway. Base depth should come from the project design, soil, traffic and climate—not from the calculator default.
Calculation steps
- 1Measure the paved footprint.
- 2Enter the specified compacted base depth.
- 3Apply the aggregate compaction allowance.
- 4Convert to supplier volume or weight and round upward.
Worked numerical example
A 300 ft² patio with a 6 in compacted base contains 5.56 yd³. At 20% loose allowance, order about 6.67 yd³ before supplier or truck rounding.
Purchasing and rounding
Base aggregate is commonly sold by ton or cubic yard. Confirm gradation, density, moisture and delivery minimums with the supplier.
Interpret the result
The result covers aggregate volume only. Excavation depth must also account for paver thickness, bedding layer and final elevation.
Page-specific assumptions
- Uniform base depth.
- Stable subgrade after excavation.
- One aggregate gradation.
- Edge restraints and bedding sand estimated separately.
Common mistakes
- Confusing bedding sand with structural base.
- Ordering compacted volume without a loose allowance.
- Ignoring weak subgrade areas.
- Using decorative gravel in place of specified base aggregate.
Primary and technical references
BuildMeter provides planning estimates, not engineering, architectural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, permit or code approval. Review the methodology and verify final decisions with product documentation and qualified professionals.
BuildMeter Guides
Understand the measurements and assumptions
Use these visible reference guides before changing project inputs or planning allowances.
FAQ
Paver Base Calculator questions
Is bedding sand included in base depth?+
No. The calculator treats compacted aggregate base and bedding sand as separate layers.
Why does vehicle traffic need a deeper base?+
Higher loads require greater support and better control of settlement and frost movement.
Should paver base be compacted in lifts?+
Often yes. Maximum lift thickness depends on material and compaction equipment.