Paver patio calculator · tons
Paver Patio Calculator: Base and Sand
How much base and sand for a paver patio? Measure the patio, then work out the base and the 1″ sand bed.
1 · Material
2 · Two quick choices: depth, then size
2a · Pick a depthA paver patio has two layers: about 4″ of compacted base, then a 1″ sand bed. Calculate the base, then switch to the sand; your measurements stay.
Length × width in feet. Add as many areas as you need; we add them up.
Recommended order
5 tons
of Road Base (2"-fines)
≈ 3.2 yd³ · covers 192 sq ft at 4″ · 1 dump truck
192 sq ft × 4 in ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = 2.37 yd³ × 1.55 t/yd³ = 3.7 tons. Plus 25% for compaction and spreading, rounded up to a whole ton.
3 · Get your delivered quote
One ton of road base
- ≈ 0.65 yd³ (17 cu ft)
- covers 52 sq ft at 4″
- a yd³ weighs about 3,100 lb
- a full truck is about 21 tons
About this material: Road Base (2"-fines) →
How much does a ton of patio base and sand cover?
Cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27. Tons = cubic yards × the material’s density. The calculator then adds the buffer for compaction and spreading and rounds up. Tons use our catalog densities: road base 1.55 t/yd³; concrete sand 1.35 t/yd³.
Swipe the table sideways →
| Material | Depth | Used for | Coverage | Per 100 sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Road Base (2"-fines) | 4″ | Patios and walkways, compacted. (typical) | 52 sq ft per ton | 1.91 tons |
| Road Base (2"-fines) | 6″ | Paver driveways. | 35 sq ft per ton | 2.87 tons |
| Road Base (2"-fines) | 8″ | Soft or wet ground. | 26 sq ft per ton | 3.83 tons |
| Concrete Sand | 1″ | Bedding layer under pavers, over a compacted base. (typical) | 240 sq ft per ton | 0.42 tons |
| Concrete Sand | 2″ | Leveling under slabs. | 120 sq ft per ton | 0.83 tons |
| Concrete Sand | 4″ | Bedding around pipe. | 60 sq ft per ton | 1.67 tons |
Before the buffer. Updated November 2026
How much patio base and sand for common projects
Swipe the table sideways →
| Project | Depth | Area | Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard patio 200 sq ft | 1″ | 200 sq ft | ~0.6 cy concrete sand |
| Walkway 4 ft × 30 ft | 1″ | 120 sq ft | ~0.4 cy concrete sand |
| Pool deck 400 sq ft | 1″ | 400 sq ft | ~1.2 cy concrete sand |
| Front entry 80 sq ft | 1″ | 80 sq ft | ~0.25 cy concrete sand |
| Large patio 600 sq ft | 1″ | 600 sq ft | ~1.9 cy concrete sand |
Before the buffer. Measure your own areas above for an order quantity.
Paver patio base and sand
Delivered by dump truck. “From” prices are per ton on a full truck, delivery included; the second line is the smallest load.
Road Base (2"-fines) →Limerock base that compacts hard under driveways and pads.From $40.60/ton on a full truck2 tons from $426.80 delivered
Concrete Sand →Coarse sand for paver bedding and concrete.From $35.20/ton on a full truck2 tons from $414.30 delivered
Mason Sand →Fine sand for pool bases, mortar and sandboxes.From $32.65/ton on a full truck2 tons from $408.40 deliveredPatio base and sand mistakes to avoid
Wrong sand grade for bedding
Concrete sand is the standard. Mason sand and play sand are too fine: they shift and wash out.
Sand bed too thick
1 inch is the spec. Thicker beds let pavers shift, twist, and sink unevenly.
Skipping the base
Pavers on sand on dirt is a failed patio. The compacted base under the sand is what carries the load — see the paver base calculator.
No edge restraint
Plastic or steel edging at the perimeter is mandatory. Without it the pavers spread and the joints open.
No slope
1/4 inch per foot away from the house. Flat patios pool water on the surface.
Paver patio calculator questions
Need another material? All calculators →
Know how much patio base and sand you need? Get your delivered quote.
We’ll quote your 5 tons of road base, delivery included.