The volume formula

Volume = length × width × depth, all in feet, divided by 27. A 10×12 patio at 4 inches: 10 × 12 × 0.333 = 40 cu ft ÷ 27 ≈ 1.48 cubic yards.

Depth rules

3–4 inches of compacted gravel for a paver patio over good soil; 6 inches or more for heavy traffic or soft ground. Many pros use 4 inches of crushed stone plus 1 inch of sand for leveling the pavers.

Crushed stone vs pea gravel

Use 3/4-inch crushed stone — it locks together when compacted, unlike round pea gravel which shifts under weight. Base with 3/4-inch crushed stone, then top with 1/4-inch screenings or sand for a smooth bed.

Patio size	4-in base	6-in base
8×10	0.99 yd (~1.4 T)	1.48 yd (~2.1 T)
10×12	1.48 yd (~2.1 T)	2.22 yd (~3.1 T)
12×16	2.37 yd (~3.3 T)	3.56 yd (~5.0 T)

Compaction matters

Compact in 2–3 inch lifts with a plate compactor. Uncompacted gravel settles and pavers sink unevenly. Compaction also lets you order slightly less stone — it packs tighter than it arrives, which is why 10% waste covers the difference.

Worked example: a 10×12 paver patio

• Patio = 10 × 12 = 120 sq ft
• Volume = 120 × 0.333 = 40 cu ft
• ÷ 27 = 1.48 cubic yards
• × 1.4 tons/yard ≈ 2.1 tons → order 2.5 with waste

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