How Much Gravel and Sand for a Paver Base? (Chart + Calc)
A 100 sq ft patio needs 1.5-2 yards of gravel and 1 ton of sand. Step-by-step base build guide.
Quick answer: For a 100 sq ft patio, you need about 1.5-2 cubic yards of gravel (4-6 inches deep) plus 1 ton of paver sand (1 inch). Use the gravel calculator and paver calculator for exact amounts.
Why the base matters
Pavers only look good (and stay level) if the base is right. The standard recipe: 4-6 inches of compacted gravel + 1 inch of paver sand. Skip the base and you'll be re-leveling pavers every spring.
Base materials for a 100 sq ft patio
| Layer | Depth | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed gravel base | 4-6 in | 1.5-2 cu yd |
| Paver sand | 1 in | ~1 ton (14 bags) |
| Polymeric joint sand | fill joints | 2-3 bags (50 lb) |
Base calculator formulas
Gravel: area (sq ft) × depth (ft) ÷ 27 = cubic yards.
Sand: a 1-inch layer covers about 100 sq ft per ton (~0.4 cu yd).
Step-by-step base build
- Excavate to total depth (pavers + sand + gravel + 2 in for settling)
- Compact the soil, then lay and compact gravel in 2-inch lifts
- Screed 1 inch of paver sand over the gravel, using guide pipes
- Lay pavers, then sweep polymeric sand into joints and wet it down
FAQ
How deep should a paver base be?
4-6 inches of gravel for patios and walkways; 6-8 inches for driveways that carry vehicles.
Can I skip the gravel and use sand only?
No — sand alone shifts and washes out. Gravel provides the structural base that keeps pavers level.
How much paver sand for 100 sq ft?
About 1 ton for a 1-inch layer, plus 2-3 bags of polymeric sand for the joints.
Need a different size?
Our free calculators give you the exact answer in seconds.