Paver Base & Sand Calculator

Estimate paver count, base aggregate volume, and bedding sand from rectangle, circle, multiple-zone, or known-area inputs. Add exclusions, depth assumptions, package sizes, and a waste allowance to plan more safely.

All calculations run in your browser only; nothing is uploaded.

Use this as a planning tool, not as engineering approval. Local drainage, frost depth, soil conditions, and traffic load can change the required build-up.

Known net area mode skips shape geometry. Use it when you already trust the final paved area from a plan or site measurement.

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How to use this calculator

  1. Choose the geometry mode that best matches the paved area, or switch to Known net area when you already trust the final measured area.
  2. Enter base depth and bedding sand depth first. These are required for material quantities.
  3. Add paver size only if you want paver count. Leave both paver dimensions blank if you only need base and sand.
  4. Review the rounded purchase counts, then copy the URL if you want to share the same setup.
Unit system

Inputs

Use this for a patio, pad, or other rectangular paved area.

Optional paver inputs

Base and sand inputs

Important notes

Allowance is often safer than perfect geometry

If the layout has curves, borders, or many small cuts, a simple area plus a realistic extra allowance is usually more useful than over-modeling every piece.

Depth assumptions are local decisions

Base and bedding depths vary with frost, drainage, soil, slope, and load. Use local practice and supplier guidance before you order.

Supplier packaging wins over defaults

If your pavers, base, or sand are sold in a different pack, bag, or density basis, overwrite the defaults and follow the supplier label.

How the estimate is calculated

  1. Geometry modes calculate gross area first, then subtract exclusions. If exclusions exceed the gross area, net paved area is clamped to zero instead of returning a negative number.
  2. Paver count uses paver length + joint width and paver width + joint width to create a module area. Base count uses net paved area divided by the module area, then purchase count applies the extra allowance and rounds up.
  3. Base and sand volumes come from net paved area multiplied by the depth you enter. Ordered volume adds the same extra allowance.
  4. Base weight uses ordered base volume multiplied by density. Sand bags and paver packs always round up because suppliers sell whole units.

FAQ

How accurate is this paver estimate?

Use it as a planning baseline. Real jobs vary with edge cuts, curved layouts, compaction, bedding practice, and supplier packaging. Always confirm with local guidance and your supplier label before ordering.

Should I subtract all curved edges and small gaps?

Not automatically. If the design has many curves, borders, or awkward cuts, keep the geometry simple and raise the extra allowance instead of trying to model every offcut.

What density should I use for the base?

Use the density from your supplier if possible. Presets are only convenient planning defaults and may differ from local material blends.

Can I use this without entering paver size?

Yes. Leave both paver dimensions blank if you only need base aggregate and bedding sand quantities.

Why do pack and bag counts round up?

Pavers, packs, and bags are bought as whole units. Rounding up is safer than stopping the job because one pack or bag was missing.

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Comments

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