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Landscaping & YardPaver Base Calculator — How Much Base Gravel Do I Need?
Enter your patio or walkway size and base depth to estimate crushed paver base in cubic yards and tons. A solid compacted base is what keeps pavers from heaving.
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How this calculator works
Volume = area × depth, converted to cubic yards and to tons at ~1.4 tons per cubic yard for crushed stone base. Base is sold by the yard or the ton.
What changes how much you need
- Patios and walkways: 4–6 inches of compacted base. Driveways: 8–12 inches.
- Base loses roughly 20% volume when compacted — order extra to hit your finished depth.
- Use angular crushed stone (e.g., 3/4" minus), not rounded gravel, so it locks together.
- Top it with a 1-inch sand setting bed (see the sand calculator).
Frequently asked questions
How deep should paver base be?
4–6 inches of compacted crushed stone for patios and walkways; 8–12 inches for driveways and anything bearing vehicles.
How much base do I lose to compaction?
Roughly 20%. Order about 20% more loose material than your finished compacted depth.
What kind of gravel is paver base?
Angular crushed stone with fines — often sold as "3/4-inch minus," "road base," or "paver base." The fines help it compact and lock.