Pavement Calculator – Concrete, Asphalt, Pavers & Gravel
Plan your patio, pathway, or driveway with confidence. Enter your dimensions, pick a pavement type, set thicknesses for the surface and base, and apply a waste factor. The tool returns volumes for surface and base layers (in both metric and imperial), and for pavers it also estimates the number of pieces needed.
What It Calculates
- Total area
- Surface layer volume (e.g., concrete or asphalt)
- Base/sub-base volume (e.g., compacted road base or gravel)
- Estimated weights (tons/tonnes) using common density presets
- Paver count (when “Pavers” is selected), based on size + joint gap
How the Calculator Works
- Area: Length × Width
- Volume (m³): Area (m²) × Thickness (m)
- Weight (tonnes): Volume (m³) × Density (kg/m³) ÷ 1000
- Weight (tons): Weight (kg) → lb (× 2.20462) ÷ 2000
- Waste: Volumes/weights are multiplied by (1 + waste%)
- Pavers: Area ÷ ( (paver length + joint) × (paver width + joint) )
Note: Densities are typical estimates. Supplier specifications and moisture/compaction can change weights.
Typical Values (Quick Guide)
| Use Case | Surface Thickness | Base Thickness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patio / walkway | 2–4 in (50–100 mm) | 4–6 in (100–150 mm) | Good for light foot traffic; ensure drainage slope. |
| Driveway (cars) | 4–6 in (100–150 mm) | 6–8 in (150–200 mm) | Increase base depth for soft soils or frequent turning. |
| Heavy duty (trucks/RV) | 6+ in (150+ mm) | 8–12 in (200–300 mm) | Consider professional design for heavy loading. |
| Pavers patio/path | 2–2.5 in (50–60 mm) | 4–8 in (100–200 mm) | Base thickness depends on traffic and soil conditions. |
Related Asphalt & Paving Calculators
FAQs
Do I need a base layer?
Yes—base layers improve drainage and reduce settlement. Thicker bases are recommended for driveways and poor soil.
How much waste should I add?
10% is common for cutting and irregular edges; use 5% for simple rectangles and 15% for complex shapes.
Can I switch units?
Absolutely—toggle between imperial and metric. Labels will update to the correct units.
Accuracy & Review
Reviewed by: Dave Whitaker
Dave is a second-generation paving contractor focusing on asphalt compaction, lift thickness, and milling yields for driveways and small parking lots. He reviewed the assumptions, calculation logic, and practical estimating guidance used in this calculator.
Last updated:
See: Methodology · Data Sources · Review Board
Important Estimate Disclaimer
Estimates are intended for general planning only and should not be considered paving or engineering specifications. Actual quantities may vary based on compaction, base preparation, climate, and traffic load.
Refer to our Methodology and Data Sources for calculation assumptions.
Asphalt depth, sub-base stability, and drainage conditions may materially impact performance and required material thickness.