Base Gravel & Bedding Sand Calculator – Tons & Bags
Free gravel patio calculator for rectangle, L-shaped and circular patios, with an optional fire-pit or garden cutout. Get crushed-stone base in cubic yards and tons (with compaction), plus 50 lb bedding sand bags, for your exact paver patio area.
Your Inputs
30 secLive Estimate
Base volume is pure geometry — patio area × base depth. We then apply a separate 15% compaction / ordering allowance to get the volume to buy, and convert that order volume to tons using a default loose bulk density of 1.40 tons/cu yd (editable — actual density varies by aggregate type, moisture, and supplier). Truck loads assume 12 tons each, and bedding sand uses a 1" ICPI screed depth.
How Our Formulas Work
The calculator uses standard estimating assumptions for material volume, waste, coverage and ordering allowances. Actual quantities vary by material, supplier, site conditions and installation method. We use real material bulk densities and compaction coefficients, so your orders match actual site needs. ⌈x⌉ means rounded up to the next whole unit.
Patio Footprint
Worked example: Example: 20 ft × 15 ft = 300 sq ft of patio
Pro rule of thumb: For an L, add the two rectangles. For a circle, use half the diameter as the radius r.
1 · Base Volume (geometric)
Worked example: Example: (300 sq ft × 4 in ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 3.70 cu yd
Pro rule of thumb: Pure geometry — the space your base occupies, from area and depth alone. No allowance or density is mixed in.
2 · Compaction / Order Allowance
Worked example: Example: 3.70 cu yd × 1.15 = 4.26 cu yd
Pro rule of thumb: Crushed stone settles about 15% when tamped, so you buy 15% more volume than the finished base occupies. Shown separately, never hidden in the base volume.
3 · Density → Tons
Worked example: Example: 4.26 cu yd × 1.40 = 5.96 tons
Pro rule of thumb: Density is a separate, editable assumption. Default loose bulk density: 1.40 tons/cu yd — actual density varies by aggregate type, moisture, and supplier, so edit it to match your stone.
4 · Truck Loads
Worked example: Example: ⌈5.96 ÷ 12⌉ = 1 truck load
Pro rule of thumb: A standard dump truck hauls about 12 tons; loads round up to whole trucks.
Bedding Sand Bags
Worked example: Example: ⌈(300 sq ft × 1 in ÷ 12) ÷ 0.5⌉ = 50 bags
Pro rule of thumb: A 50 lb bag of concrete sand ≈ 0.5 ft³, and the 1" default matches the ICPI / ASTM C33 screed bed.
Planning Estimate
Results are estimates based on the information and assumptions provided. Actual material quantities may vary with site conditions, material specifications, installation method, waste, and supplier measurements. For construction-critical decisions, verify quantities against your supplier's specifications and any local requirements before purchasing or building.
Cut buffer: 8% running bond → 20% curved / borders.
Crushed stone: +15% compaction allowance, ≈ 1.40 tons/yd³ loose bulk density.
Bedding sand: 50 lb bag ≈ 0.5 ft³, default 1″ screed bed.
Joint sand: one 50 lb bag ≈ 75 sq ft of 1/8″ joints.
Edge & fabric: 6 ft strips, spikes ≈ every 1.4 ft; fabric +10% for seams.
Prices: 2026 local-market averages (USD · CAD · GBP · EUR · INR · AUD · JPY) — override in "local prices".
Keep the Momentum Going
Your gravel & sand is just one layer of the build. Try a related tool or jump back to the full material list.