Gravel Patio Calculator
Estimate the gravel for a patio base or a loose gravel patio. It starts with a 12 × 12 ft patio and a 4-inch compacted base.
1. Measure your area
2. Choose your gravel
Gravel density varies by material, moisture and supplier. Use your supplier's stated density when available. This calculator provides an estimate, not a supplier quote.
Two kinds of gravel patio
People ask for a gravel patio calculator for two different jobs, and the quantities are very different.
- A paver or flagstone patio. The gravel is hidden underneath as a compacted base. It is usually the deeper layer and the larger quantity.
- A gravel patio. Loose stone is the finished surface, usually pea gravel or fine crushed stone about 2 to 3 inches deep, often over a base and landscape fabric.
How deep should the base be?
For a patio that carries foot traffic, a compacted gravel base of about 4 to 6 inches is common under pavers. Poor drainage, soft ground or a freezing climate can justify more. The base is normally crushed stone rather than pea gravel, because it compacts firmly and holds the pavers level.
Worked example: a 12 × 12 ft paver patio base
Area: 12 ft × 12 ft = 144 sq ft
Volume at 4 inches deep: 144 × (4 ÷ 12) = 48.00 cubic feet
Add 15% for compaction and waste: = 55.20 cubic feet = 2.04 cubic yards
Weight at 110 lb per cubic foot: 6,072 lb = 3.04 tons
Base quantities at 4 inches deep
Crushed stone at 110 lb per cubic foot, with a 15% allowance.
| Patio size | Sq ft | Cubic yards | Tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 100 | 1.42 | 2.11 |
| 12 × 12 ft | 144 | 2.04 | 3.04 |
| 12 × 16 ft | 192 | 2.73 | 4.05 |
| 16 × 20 ft | 320 | 4.54 | 6.75 |
Don't forget the bedding sand
Pavers are normally laid on a thin layer of bedding sand, about 1 inch, on top of the compacted base. You can estimate it with this calculator: enter a depth of 1 inch and choose Custom density of about 100 lb per cubic foot for dry sand (damp sand weighs more). For the 12 × 12 ft patio that comes to roughly 0.49 cubic yards, or 0.66 tons.
Example: a loose gravel patio
If the gravel is the finished surface, a 12 × 12 ft patio with 2 inches of pea gravel needs about 0.98 cubic yards, or 1.39 tons, with a 10% allowance. Add the base underneath if you are building one. Pea gravel shifts underfoot, so edging around the patio helps keep it in place. Try the pea gravel calculator for your own size.
Frequently asked questions
How much gravel do I need for a 12 × 12 patio?
For a paver patio base at 4 inches deep with a 15% allowance, about 3 tons of crushed stone. For a loose pea gravel surface 2 inches deep with a 10% allowance, about 1.4 tons. The calculator above shows both if you change the depth and material.
What type of gravel is best under a patio?
Crushed stone or a dense-graded mix is the usual choice, because the angular pieces compact into a firm, level base. Round pea gravel does not compact the same way. Your supplier can recommend a grade.
How deep should patio gravel be?
A compacted base of about 4 to 6 inches is common under pavers for foot traffic. A loose gravel surface is usually 2 to 3 inches deep.
Do I need sand as well as gravel?
For pavers, yes: a layer of bedding sand about 1 inch deep goes on top of the compacted gravel base. Flagstone and loose gravel patios may be built differently, so follow the instructions for your material.
Should I order extra?
Yes. A 10 to 15% allowance covers compaction and uneven ground, and it is cheaper than a second delivery.
More gravel calculators
Last updated 2026-10-06. Quantities are estimates; densities and coverage vary by material, moisture and supplier.