From measured space to purchasable material
The base under a paved area can extend beyond the visible pavers, while bedding sand usually follows the paved footprint. This calculator treats those layers separately and distinguishes their compacted in-place volumes from loose purchase quantities. Enter the finished paver rectangle, the base extension on each side and the planned layer depths. Loose volume factors are inputs because aggregate type, supplier measurements and compaction behavior differ. Use the specification for your project; this calculator does not choose a base depth for soil, traffic or drainage conditions.
Measure, select yield and round the order
- Measure the paving footprint.
- Add specified base extensions and compacted layer depths.
- Confirm loose-order conversion factors with the aggregate supplier.
Net requirement and purchase calculation
A worked example
A 16 × 12 ft patio with 6 in base extensions has a 221 ft² base footprint. At 6 in compacted depth and a 1.2 factor, loose aggregate is about 4.91 yd³.
Paver Base: what changes the result?
Compare dimensions and product yields without treating quantities as a design check. The comparisons below are calculated from this page’s default example. Each row changes only the named input; all other inputs stay at their displayed example values. These are mathematical scenarios, not measurements from a completed project.
| Changed assumption | Default input | Comparison input | Result: default → comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paved length | 16 ft | 19.2 ft | Compacted aggregate volume: 110.5 → 131.3 cu ft Loose aggregate order: 4.9111 → 5.8356 yd³ |
| Paved width | 12 ft | 14.4 ft | Compacted aggregate volume: 110.5 → 130.9 cu ft Loose aggregate order: 4.9111 → 5.8178 yd³ |
| Base extension on each side | 6 in | 7.2 in | Compacted aggregate volume: 110.5 → 113.52 cu ft Loose aggregate order: 4.9111 → 5.0453 yd³ |
| Compacted aggregate depth | 6 in | 7.2 in | Compacted aggregate volume: 110.5 → 132.6 cu ft Loose aggregate order: 4.9111 → 5.8933 yd³ |
Displayed values are rounded. Whole-pack results change in steps; continuous quantities may change before a new pack is needed. To compare your actual project, enter your dimensions above, save a scenario, then change one assumption.
Coverage, allowance and purchasing limits
- Excavation also includes paver thickness and any separate drainage layers.
- Do not confuse a 20% volume increase with a 20% reduction after compaction; those ratios are different.
- Bedding material suitability and installation thickness depend on the paving system.
Frequently asked questions
Is base material the same quantity as bedding sand?
No. Their footprints, thicknesses and loose-volume factors are calculated independently.
What does a 1.2 loose-volume factor mean?
It orders 1.2 units of loose material for each unit of planned compacted volume. It is an assumption you should confirm.
Does it include extra width beyond the patio?
Yes. The extension is added on each side of both dimensions.
Read the project guides
- Paver Base, Bedding Sand and Joint Sand: Calculate Each Order
Build a patio material takeoff that separates field pavers, borders, aggregate base, bedding sand and polymeric joint sand with explicit ordering assumptions.
Calculation method: JICWH methodology. Examples are planning assumptions, not product recommendations.