Paver Base Calculator: Gravel Base and Bedding Sand

This calculator works out the base materials under a paver patio or path. Enter the length and width in feet, the depth of the gravel base and the depth of the bedding sand in inches; you get cubic yards of base gravel and sand, and the base in cubic feet.

Formula

Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324. The 324 comes from 12 inches per foot × 27 cubic feet per cubic yard. Cubic feet = length × width × depth ÷ 12.

• l, w: patio length and width in feet
• b: compacted gravel base depth in inches
• s: bedding sand depth in inches

Worked Example

A 12 ft × 10 ft patio with a 4 in base and 1 in of sand.

1. Area = 12 × 10 = 120 ft²
2. Base = 120 × 4 ÷ 324 = 1.48 yd³ (40.00 ft³)
3. Sand = 120 × 1 ÷ 324 = 0.37 yd³

How to use the result

Gravel base compacts, so loose material delivered by the yard fills less once it is tamped. Order a little more than the compacted volume (ask the supplier what allowance they use for their product), and extend the base a few inches past the paver edge so the edge restraint sits on it.

Limits and common mistakes

• Base depth depends on use, soil and climate; driveways need a much deeper base than garden paths. Follow the paver maker’s or a local professional’s guidance.
• Enter depth in inches; a common mistake is entering 0.33 meaning feet.
• The paver area itself is not reduced by joints; joint sand is a small extra amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much gravel do I need for a 10 x 10 paver patio?

At 4 in deep: 100 × 4 ÷ 324 = 1.23 yd³ compacted.

How deep should bedding sand be?

Usually about 1 in; check the paver maker’s instructions.

Why divide by 324?

12 in per ft × 27 ft³ per yd³ = 324, so ft² × in ÷ 324 gives cubic yards.

Does this include the pavers?

No. Count pavers from the patio area and the paver size.

in l | Patio length | ft | 12 | 0 | 10000
in w | Patio width | ft | 10 | 0 | 10000
in b | Gravel base depth | in | 4 | 0 | 36
in s | Bedding sand depth | in | 1 | 0 | 6
out base | Gravel base | yd³ | l * w * b / 324 | 2
out sand | Bedding sand | yd³ | l * w * s / 324 | 2
out ft3 | Gravel base | ft³ | l * w * b / 12 | 2