Aggregates calculator
Paver Base Calculator
Estimate aggregate base and bedding sand as separate material orders for your paver area.
Planning estimate, not a contractor quote. Review the assumptions and replace presets with local prices when available.
Method
How this calculator works
A paver project can require more than one granular material. This tool keeps the compacted base depth, its loose-volume allowance, and the bedding layer distinct. Enter the specified layer depths and supplier densities rather than using one generic gravel result for both materials.
Loose base ft³ = area × base inches ÷ 12 × (1 + base allowance ÷ 100). Sand ft³ = area × sand inches ÷ 12. Each material’s tons = its loose ft³ × its density ÷ 2,000.
Worked example
A realistic starting point
For 200 ft², a 4-inch base with a 15% loose-volume allowance gives 76.67 ft³. At an illustrative 105 lb/ft³, that is 4.025 tons, rounded to 4.5 tons in half-ton increments. A separate 1-inch sand layer at 100 lb/ft³ gives 0.833 tons, rounded to 1 ton.
What changes the answer
Factors worth checking
Separate materials
Confirm that the specified bedding product and base aggregate are correct for your paver system. Matching a density does not make two products interchangeable.
Loose and compacted quantities
Base depth is the finished compacted thickness; the allowance estimates the extra loose volume to source. The sand calculation uses the layer depth entered directly.
Delivery pricing
Each material rounds separately. Combine their delivery charges in the one delivery field; if separate trucks are required, enter the total of both charges.
Common questions
Paver Base FAQ
Does this include joint sand?
No. Bedding sand is below the pavers. Jointing sand depends on joints and the particular product, and needs a separate estimate.
Can I combine both tonnages into one material order?
No. The two layers may use different products and must remain separate order lines.
Why is it different from the gravel calculator?
This tool calculates two layers independently and applies the base allowance before converting to weight.
Evidence
Sources & review
- CMHA — construction of interlocking concrete pavementsPavement layer context; use the actual project specification for layer depths.
- Mulzer Crushed Stone — aggregate calculatorSupplier context for material-dependent bulk density and estimating limits.
Published by Calcstead. Report a correction.
Method and source links reviewed September 6, 2026. Price presets are editable planning inputs and should be replaced with current local information.