Construction tools
Paver Base Calculator
Estimate base aggregate and bedding material separately using the project area and layer depths you enter.
Paver base estimate
Estimate the two material layers separately using the dimensions and depths you confirm for your project.
Material volumes
No purchase allowance added unless you enter one.
| Layer | Installed volume | Planning purchase volume |
|---|---|---|
| Base aggregate | 1.23 cu yd 33.33 cu ft · 0.94 cu m | 1.23 cu yd 33.33 cu ft · 0.94 cu m |
| Bedding material | 0.31 cu yd 8.33 cu ft · 0.24 cu m | 0.31 cu yd 8.33 cu ft · 0.24 cu m |
How this estimate works
Each material layer is calculated separately: volume = area × layer depth. Optional allowance is applied only to that layer after installed volume is calculated.
For example, a 10 ft × 10 ft area with a 4 in base layer and a 1 in bedding layer has about 1.23 cubic yards of base volume and 0.31 cubic yards of bedding volume before allowance. This is a mathematical example, not an installation specification.
Before you order
This calculator does not choose a layer depth, material system, or purchase allowance. Those details depend on the paver product, loads, soil, climate, drainage approach, local requirements, and supplier guidance.
Confirm the supplier's material description, sold unit, loose-versus-installed quantity, delivery minimum, and the project's site requirements before ordering.
Related estimates
Use the Gravel Calculator for a supplier-density-based aggregate weight estimate, or the Tile Calculator for rectangular surface coverage.
Method & sources
Inputs are normalized to metres, square metres, and cubic metres before display conversion. Values are rounded only for readable display.
Important limits
- This estimates one rectangular area or one known area only; it does not model slopes, curves, steps, multiple areas, or irregular shapes.
- It does not calculate excavation, compaction, density, weight, delivery, pricing, drainage, joint material, paver quantity, or installation compliance.
- Manufacturer references provide general installation context, not site-specific design or ordering instructions.
Reviewed references
- Belgard: Paver and Wall Installation Guidelines
Reviewed 2026-07-21. Describes the typical sequence of compacted aggregate, bedding sand, hardscape, and joint material. It notes that base depth varies with soil type and application, so this calculator does not select a depth.
- Belgard: Product Installation Guide
Reviewed 2026-07-21. Provides installation context for dense-graded base material and bedding sand. It is not a site-specific depth, drainage, or ordering specification for calculator users.
- Unilock: Look Beyond the Surface
Reviewed 2026-07-21. Explains that paver performance depends on the layers beneath the surface and that soil and project conditions affect excavation and base decisions.
- Inch Calculator: Paver Base Calculator
Reviewed 2026-07-21. Competitive research only: informed the dimensions-or-area workflow and separate base/bedding estimates. Its automatic compaction allowance is not adopted as a universal rule.