Paver Gravel Calculator
Calculate the gravel base layer needed under pavers, flagstone, or brick. Enter your patio or walkway dimensions and base depth to get the exact amount of compactable gravel sub-base required for a stable, long-lasting paved surface.
🪵 Multi-Layer Paver System Diagram
Gravel + SandHow Much Gravel Do I Need Under Pavers?
The amount of gravel for a paver base depends on paver type, soil conditions, and expected loads. Most patios need 4 inches, driveways need 6 inches, and areas with poor soil need 8 inches of compacted base.
Measure the Paved Area
Enter the full length and width of your patio, walkway, or driveway. For irregular shapes, use the L-shape option or calculate each section separately.
Set Base Depth
Pedestrian patios: 4 inches. Driveways: 6 inches. Poor soil or heavy loads: 8 inches. Add 1 inch for paver sand bedding layer (calculated separately from gravel).
Choose Compactable Gravel
Use compactable gravel (Class II road base, dense-grade aggregate, or crusher run). This is different from drainage gravel — it contains fines that help it compact into a solid base.
Calculate Your Order
The calculator shows you cubic yards and tons. Order your compactable base and 1 inch of paver sand bedding separately (sand is typically purchased in cubic yards or bags).
Compact Properly
Compact in 2–3 inch lifts using a plate compactor. The base must be firm and stable — walk across it and look for any flex or bounce before laying pavers.
Paver Sub-Base Volume Formula
A paved surface requires a compacted gravel base to support the pavers and prevent heaving or sinking. The gravel layer volume = Area × Base Depth. For a 4-inch base on a 200 ft² patio, you need 200 × (4÷12) = 66.7 ft³ = 2.47 yd³ of compactable gravel.
What Goes Under Pavers?
Click any application card below to highlight specific specs and project guidelines.
Compactable Base (Layer 1)
Class II road base or crusher run provides the structural foundation. Compacted to 95% density, this layer prevents pavers from shifting or sinking.
Paver Sand (Layer 2)
A 1-inch layer of coarse bedding sand sits on top of the compacted gravel base. Pavers are set in this sand layer which allows fine-tuning of elevation.
Pavers or Flagstone (Layer 3)
Concrete pavers, brick, or natural flagstone are placed on the sand bed. The gravel base keeps them stable through freeze-thaw cycles.
Polymeric Sand (Joints)
After setting pavers, the joints are filled with polymeric sand and activated with water. This locks pavers in place and resists weed growth.
Paver Base Installation Tips
Interactive guidelines to ensure a flawless installation and avoid common planning mistakes.
Use the Right Gravel
Do not use drainage gravel (washed, round stone) for a paver base. It won't compact firmly. Use angular, compactable aggregate like Class II road base or crusher run.
Establish Proper Grade
Slope the base 1/4 inch per foot away from buildings for drainage. Use string lines and a level to verify slope before compacting.
Allow for Freeze-Thaw
In climates with freezing winters, increase base depth by 2–4 inches. A deeper base reduces the chance of pavers heaving and becoming unlevel.
Don't Skip Excavation
Excavate all organic topsoil before adding gravel. Any organic material left in place will decompose and cause the base to settle unevenly, creating dips in your paved surface.
Paver Gravel Calculator — FAQs
Find answers to common questions regarding calculations, material selection, and installation.
Q1 How thick should the gravel base be under pavers?
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The recommended base depths: Pedestrian patios: 4 inches of compacted gravel. Driveways: 6 inches. Clay or expansive soil: add 2 inches. Areas with poor drainage: add a drainage layer below the base. Always add a separate 1-inch layer of coarse bedding sand above the gravel for paver leveling.
Q2 What type of gravel do I use as a paver base?
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Use compactable aggregate, NOT drainage gravel. Class II road base, dense-graded aggregate (DGA), crusher run, or 3/4-inch minus compactable gravel are all excellent choices. These contain a mix of particle sizes including fines (dust) that, when compacted, form a solid, stable slab-like surface.
Q3 How many cubic yards of gravel do I need for a 10×10 patio?
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A 10 × 10 ft patio (100 ft²) needs: At 4 inch depth: 100 × (4/12) / 27 = 1.23 cubic yards. At 6 inch depth: 1.85 cubic yards. Plus approximately 0.31 cubic yards of paver sand for the 1-inch bedding layer. Add 10% for compaction factor.
Q4 Can I use pea gravel as a paver base?
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No. Pea gravel (smooth, rounded stone) does not compact and will shift under the weight of pavers, causing them to become unlevel or sink over time. Always use angular, compactable aggregate for the base. Pea gravel can be used as decorative fill in the surrounding areas, but not as the structural base.
Q5 Do I need fabric under a paver base?
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Geotextile (landscape fabric) is recommended between the subsoil and the compacted gravel base in most situations. It prevents soil migration into the gravel layer, which can cause the base to soften and heave over time. Use non-woven geotextile fabric rated for heavy-duty applications, not standard landscape fabric.
Q6 How much does a paver base cost?
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Class II road base or crusher run costs $20–$35 per ton delivered. A 200 ft² patio with a 4-inch base needs approximately 2.5 cubic yards (3.5 tons), costing $70–$122 in materials. Paver sand for the 1-inch bedding layer adds another 0.6 cubic yards ($30–$60). Use our calculator for exact quantities.