1. What is This Calculator For?

This calculator helps determine the amount of base material and sand needed for driveway paving projects. Proper base preparation is essential for long-lasting paver installations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these formulas:

Where:

• 1700 kg/m³ — Typical density for compacted base material
• 1600 kg/m³ — Typical density for bedding sand
• Base depth — Typically 0.1–0.15 meters (4-6 inches)
• Sand depth — Typically 0.03 meters (1-1.5 inches)

3. Importance of Proper Base and Sand

Details: A properly prepared base prevents settling and shifting of pavers. The sand layer provides a smooth, level surface for paver installation and helps with drainage.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your project area accurately in square meters. Typical base depth is 0.1–0.15 m (4-6 inches) and sand depth is 0.03 m (1 inch). Always round up your material estimates to account for compaction and waste.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What type of base material should I use?
A: Crushed gravel or limestone is typically used for the base layer. It should be angular and range in size from 20mm to dust for proper compaction.

Q2: What kind of sand is best for pavers?
A: Use coarse, washed concrete sand or specifically labeled "paver sand" that compacts well without becoming too hard.

Q3: How do I convert kg to tons?
A: Divide the kilogram result by 1000 to get metric tons. For example, 2000 kg = 2 metric tons.

Q4: Should I add extra material to my order?
A: It's recommended to add 10-15% extra to account for compaction, spillage, and irregularities in the subgrade.

Q5: What if my area isn't rectangular?
A: Break irregular shapes into smaller rectangles, calculate each separately, then sum the results.