Paver Base Calculator
A paver base calculator estimates the aggregate base and sand setting bed beneath a paved area. Enter the footprint and each layer’s depth. This calculator reports separate volumes and US short tons using generic densities of 135 lb/ft³ for aggregate and 100 lb/ft³ for sand.
Base including allowance
10.6tons
- Area
- 300.00 SF
- Base before allowance
- 5.56 CY
- Sand before allowance
- 0.93 CY
- Sand including allowance
- 1.3 tons
Formula: tons = area SF × (depth in ÷ 12) × unit weight ÷ 2,000 lb; base at 135 lb/ft³, sand at 100 lb/ft³, waste applied last
Uses a generic density from the site’s material table. Confirm a product-specific value with the supplier.
How the calculation works
Each layer uses the same area with its own depth. Convert depth from inches to feet and multiply by area for cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards. Multiply by the layer’s density and divide by 2,000 for short tons.
For a 20-foot by 15-foot area, a 6-inch aggregate layer is 5.56 cubic yards and 10.125 tons before allowance. A 1-inch sand layer is 0.93 cubic yards and 1.25 tons before allowance. With the example 5% allowance, those weights become about 10.6 and 1.3 tons.
The allowance applies to both material weights. Displayed layer volumes remain before allowance. Set the percentage to zero to compare theoretical quantities, and use the design or installation requirements for actual depths.
This calculator does not select a pavement section. It does not include pavers, edge restraints, drainage products, geotextile, or excavation. Add those scopes separately, and confirm product-specific densities before converting the result into an order.
Reference values
| Quantity | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Dense-graded aggregate base | 135 lb/ft³ | generic unit weight |
| Bedding sand | 100 lb/ft³ | generic unit weight |
| Aggregate, tons per CY | ≈ 1.82 | 135 × 27 ÷ 2,000 |
| Sand, tons per CY | ≈ 1.35 | 100 × 27 ÷ 2,000 |
Frequently asked questions
Are base aggregate and bedding sand combined?
No. The widget reports each layer separately because the depths and densities differ.
What depth should I use?
Use the project section and the requirements for the selected paving system. The example inputs are not a design recommendation.
Does the allowance increase the displayed cubic yards?
No. The layer volumes are before allowance; the weight results include the entered percentage.
Does this count the pavers?
No. This calculator covers aggregate and sand quantities only.