Paver Base Gravel Calculator

How to Calculate Cubic Yards of Base Material

First, measure the length and width of the patio (in inches).

Next, multiply the measured length by the width to obtain the patio area (in square inches).

Then, multiply this area by the gravel depth (in inches) to get the total volume of gravel required (in cubic inches). Typically, traditional paving bricks are installed over a 4-inch to 6-inch thick layer of compacted gravel.

Finally, divide the resulting cubic inch volume by 46,656 to calculate the number of cubic yards of gravel needed.

To estimate the correct amount of sand required, the process is similar: first, multiply the length and width of the patio (in inches) to get the area (in square inches). Since the sand layer typically only needs to be 1 inch thick to prevent paving bricks from moving, this area (in square inches) is equivalent to the volume of sand required (in cubic inches). Again, divide the resulting cubic inch volume by 46,656 to find out the number of cubic yards of sand needed for this job.

Depth of Paver Base

For a typical patio, the Road Base should consist of a 4-inch to 6-inch thick layer of compacted gravel and a 1-inch thick layer of sand. For heavy-duty applications such as commercial spaces or driveways, a 6-inch to 8-inch thick layer of gravel should be used.

Remember, compaction of gravel will result in a reduction of the initial volume. Therefore, if you need a 4-inch base layer, you should estimate an additional 20% of material to achieve the correct depth after compaction.

Paver Base Material Requirements for Patios

Patio Size (sq ft)	Gravel Required (4" - 6" Base)	Sand Required (1" Base)
50	0.75 – 1.12 cu. yds	0.15 cu. yds
100	1.48 – 2.22 cu. yds	0.31 cu. yds
150	2.22 – 3.34 cu. yds	0.46 cu. yds
200	2.96 – 4.44 cu. yds	0.62 cu. yds
250	3.71 – 5.56 cu. yds	0.77 cu. yds
300	4.44 – 6.67 cu. yds	0.93 cu. yds
350	5.18 – 7.78 cu. yds	1.08 cu. yds
400	5.93 – 8.89 cu. yds	1.23 cu. yds
450	6.67 – 10.01 cu. yds	1.39 cu. yds
500	7.4 – 11.11 cu. yds	1.54 cu. yds
550	8.15 – 12.23 cu. yds	1.7 cu. yds
600	8.89 – 13.34 cu. yds	1.85 cu. yds
650	9.62 – 14.45 cu. yds	2.01 cu. yds
700	10.67 – 15.56 cu. yds	2.16 cu. yds