Paver Base Calculator
See How Much You Need.
Calculate your base and bedding materials, then see what your order actually looks like.
Enter your project size to begin.
What Does Your Order Look Like?
See your estimated order as 1 cubic yard bulk bags.
Visual estimate only. Shown as standard 1 cubic yard bulk bags. Bag sizes, truck payloads and delivery methods vary by supplier.
Why do we ask what you are building? +
Different installations use different base materials. Interlocking pavers are commonly installed over a compacted aggregate base, while stepping stones and large-format pavers with open spacing may use a free-draining ¾″ clear stone base. These materials settle differently, so the amount you need to order can be different.
Accounting for the installation type can give you a more accurate estimate and reduce leftover stone.
How much paver base do I need? +
Base quantity is determined by your project’s square footage and finished base depth. The calculator converts that volume into cubic yards, cubic metres and estimated tonnes.
The amount you order may be higher than the finished volume because aggregate settles during installation. Granular A compacts more than open-graded ¾″ clear stone, so the required allowance can vary by material.
How deep should a paver base be? +
| Depth | When it applies |
|---|---|
| 4″100 mm | May be suitable for pedestrian projects in good conditions |
| 6 to 8″150 to 200 mm | Commonly used where additional support is needed |
| 8 to 10″200 to 250 mm | May be specified for natural stone, challenging soils or demanding conditions |
Always follow the paving or stone manufacturer’s specifications and local requirements.
Granular A or ¾″ clear stone, which base should I use? +
Granular A is crushed stone with smaller particles and fines mixed in. Placed and compacted in layers, it locks together into a solid base. It is a conventional choice for patios and walkways and is commonly used under concrete pavers, often called uni-pavers, with a bedding sand layer.
¾ inch clear stone has little to no fines, so water can drain through the base instead of sitting in it. The angular stone locks together as it is compacted, while maintaining drainage. It pairs well with HPB bedding and is commonly used for stepping stones and large format stone pavers with open spacing.
What is HPB? +
HPB stands for High Performance Bedding. It is a small, clean, angular aggregate used as the bedding and levelling layer in stepping stone installations or open-graded systems.
Unlike bedding sand, HPB lets water move through the bedding layer rather than holding it. It is paired with a free-draining base such as ¾ inch clear stone, so the whole assembly drains together. The angular pieces lock against each other as they are compacted, which is why it requires less compaction than materials containing fines. It is an excellent choice for freeze-thaw climates and helps resist washout where drainage is important.
HPB or bedding sand, what is the difference? +
Both provide a setting bed under the pavers, but they belong to different systems.
Bedding sand is the conventional choice, installed over a compacted dense-graded base. CMHA specifies approximately 1 inch (25 mm) of washed concrete bedding sand in that assembly. HPB is a clean aggregate used in free-draining systems, paired with a base such as ¾ inch clear stone.
They are not interchangeable. Sand over clean stone can migrate into the voids below, while HPB over a base containing fines can allow water into a layer that does not drain as freely. Match the bedding to the base.
Bedding depth varies with the material and installation system. One inch (25 mm) is the long-standing standard for concrete bedding sand. Open-graded stone bedding such as HPB may be installed deeper, with 2 inches (50 mm) specified in some systems including natural stone.
Pro Tip: I prefer HPB for stepping stone installations with open spacing.
Volume is calculated from your project dimensions. Weight is estimated using typical material density. Confirm quantities with your supplier before ordering.