The calculation, without hidden assumptions
The base under pavers is a volume problem first and a purchasing problem second. Area multiplied by layer depth gives geometric volume, but bulk aggregate orders can also depend on compaction allowance, material density and package size. MAXScanner keeps each of those inputs visible and reports the bedding layer separately so a base estimate does not silently assume one universal installation section.
How to use this calculator
Enter the finished project length and width plus the base and bedding depths required by your project.
Set project waste/overage and any compaction allowance separately, then enter the bulk density for the actual base material when you want a weight estimate.
Use bag weight only when buying packaged material; compare the cubic-yard, ton and bag outputs with supplier data before ordering.
Where people use it
- •Patio and walkway sub-base planning
- •Comparing base depths or aggregate densities
- •Converting a geometric base volume into bulk tons or packaged bags
Example: 20 × 10 ft patio with a 4 in base
Two hundred square feet at 4 in depth is about 66.67 cubic ft, or 2.47 cubic yd, before waste or compaction allowance. The tonnage depends on the density entered for the selected aggregate.
What the result does not assume
- •Required base thickness and compaction depend on soil, drainage, climate, loading, paver system and project specification. This calculator deliberately does not choose those values.
- •Bulk density varies by aggregate type, grading and moisture. Use supplier data when converting volume to tons or bags.
Frequently asked questions
Does the calculator choose the gravel depth for me?+
No. Enter the depth required by your project, manufacturer or design.
Why is there a compaction allowance input?+
Loose delivery volume can differ from compacted in-place volume. The editable allowance lets you model that difference without hiding a fixed factor.
Is bedding sand included?+
Yes as a separate geometric volume. It is not mixed into the base tonnage because bedding material can have different density and purchasing units.
Semantic next steps
Continue the calculation
These links move to a different input, formula or project stage rather than a keyword variation of this page.
Paver Calculator — Pavers, Waste, Base & Bedding Volume
Estimate paver count from project and paver dimensions, apply a user-selected waste allowance and calculate base and bedding cubic yards from explicit layer depths.
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OpenGravel Calculator — Cubic Yards & Tons
Estimate gravel volume from length, width and depth, add a project allowance and convert cubic yards to tons using a density you can verify with the supplier.
OpenSquare Footage Calculator
Calculate square footage for rectangles, circles and triangles, convert the area to square meters and estimate cost from a price per square foot.
OpenPercentage Calculator
Solve percentage-of, what-percent, increase or decrease, percentage change, percentage difference and reverse percentage problems with the substituted working shown.
OpenAsphalt Calculator — Compacted Volume, Tons, Truckloads & Cost
Calculate compacted asphalt volume, base mass, order tonnage, optional loose-volume planning, truckloads and material cost from measured area, finished thickness, entered density and order allowance in imperial or metric units.
OpenMulch Calculator — Cubic Yards, Bags, Coverage, Weight & Cost
Estimate mulch volume from rectangular, circular or known bed area, then calculate whole bags, bulk quantity, coverage, optional supplier-density weight and bag-versus-bulk material cost in imperial or metric units.
OpenArea Calculator — Rectangle, Triangle, Circle, Trapezoid & More
Calculate area for rectangle, square, triangle, circle, trapezoid, parallelogram, ellipse and sector shapes with editable units, converted output units and the substituted formula shown.
OpenMore in this calculator collection
Browse nearby calculators in the same topic cluster so related pages reinforce each other instead of sitting as isolated URLs.
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Keep the result connected to the real job
MAXScanner keeps the formula and assumptions beside the result so you can verify the number before using it in a drawing, estimate, specification, worksheet or document. Where a supplier, manufacturer, drawing or applicable standard owns a requirement, that source remains authoritative.