Gravel Calculator for Patio Base
Estimate the gravel base layer under a paver or stone patio.
Under a paver or flagstone patio, a compacted gravel base of about 4 inches provides drainage and a stable footing (with bedding sand on top). The calculator starts at 4 inches — go deeper in cold climates that heave. It reports tons too.
Gravel Calculator
Estimate how much you need — and the cost.
- cubic feet 33.33
- cubic meters 0.944
- tons (US) 1.85
- tonnes 1.68
Tip: Top the compacted gravel base with about 1 inch of bedding sand before laying pavers — size that with our sand calculator.
How it's calculated
1 cubic yard covers about 324 sq ft at 1 in / about 162 sq ft at 2 in deep; about 1.5 US tons per cubic yard (typically 1.4–1.7).
See the full Gravel Calculator for the complete how-to, unit conversions, and data sources.
Gravel Calculator for Patio Base FAQ
How much gravel base for a patio?
About 4 inches of compacted crushed stone under the bedding sand. A 200 sq ft patio at 4 inches needs roughly 2.5 cubic yards.
What gravel is best under a patio?
Angular crushed stone (often called "crusher run" or "21A") compacts into a firm, well-draining base — not rounded pea gravel.