Paver Calculator
Count the pavers for a patio, path or pool deck, and get the materials underneath them in the same step: compacted gravel base, 1 in of bedding sand and the length of edge restraint.
How to use the paver calculator
- Enter the patio's shape and size. Add extra areas for an L-shape or a separate path.
- Enter the paver size from the label and choose the laying pattern. Herringbone and diagonal layouts set the waste to 15% because they need more cuts.
- Set the base depth: 4–6 in of compacted gravel for walks and patios, 6–8 in or more for driveways.
- Check the bedding sand depth (1 in is standard) and the base compaction allowance.
- Enter your prices under Cost estimate for pavers, base, sand and edging.
How many pavers do I need?
Divide the area by the face area of one paver, then add waste for cuts and breakage:
- Paver area (ft²) = paver length (in) × paver width (in) ÷ 144
- Pavers = area ÷ paver area × (1 + waste), rounded up
- Gravel base (ft³) = area × base depth (in) ÷ 12 × (1 + compaction); yd³ = ft³ ÷ 27; tons = yd³ × density
- Bedding sand (ft³) = area × sand depth (in) ÷ 12
- Edge restraint = perimeter of the area
Use the paver's nominal size from the label. Many concrete pavers have small spacer nubs and are sold by coverage per pallet, so compare your count with the maker's figure.
Worked example: a 12 ft × 10 ft patio with 4 × 8 in pavers
This is the patio loaded above, in a straight pattern with 10% waste.
- Area: 12 × 10 = 120 ft².
- One paver: 4 × 8 ÷ 144 = 0.222 ft², so 120 ÷ 0.222 = 540 pavers.
- With 10% waste: 540 × 1.10 = 594 pavers.
- Base: 120 × 4 ÷ 12 = 40 ft³ compacted. Adding 15% for compaction gives 46 ft³, or 1.7 yd³ (about 2.56 tons at 1.5 tons per yd³), or 92 bags of 0.5 ft³ paver base.
- Sand: 120 × 1 ÷ 12 = 10 ft³, which is 20 bags of 0.5 ft³.
- Edging: 44 ft if all four sides are open.
What goes under pavers
ICPI's application guide describes the standard build-up: a compacted aggregate base, about 1 in of screeded bedding sand, then the pavers, which are compacted into the sand with joints filled. It gives minimum base thicknesses of 4–6 in for walks and 6–8 in for residential driveways, more on weak or frost-prone soils. Stone dust and screenings are not recommended for the bedding layer. Joints between pavers are typically 1/16 to 3/16 in.
Pavers per 100 ft² by size
| Paver size | Type | Per ft² | Per 100 ft² | Per 100 ft² + 10% | Per 100 ft² + 15% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 × 4 in | Brick paver | 4.5 | 450 | 495 | 518 |
| 6 × 6 in | Square | 4 | 400 | 440 | 460 |
| 9 × 6 in | Rectangle | 2.67 | 267 | 294 | 307 |
| 12 × 12 in | Square slab | 1 | 100 | 110 | 115 |
| 16 × 16 in | Large square | 0.56 | 57 | 62 | 65 |
| 24 × 12 in | Plank / large slab | 0.5 | 50 | 55 | 58 |
Uses the nominal size. Pavers with built-in spacer nubs lay at their nominal size; check the maker's coverage per pallet.
Paver patio tips
- Pick the pattern before you order. Herringbone (45° or 90°) is ICPI's recommendation where cars drive, because it interlocks best, but it uses more cut pieces along the edges.
- Compact in lifts. Base material is compacted in layers, not all at once. Ask your supplier how much extra loose stone they recommend; the 15% default is only a starting point.
- Slope for drainage. Plan a gentle fall away from the house so water doesn't pool. The slope doesn't change the amount of material much.
- Edge restraints are not optional. Without them the outer pavers creep and the joints open. ICPI lists plastic, steel, aluminium or concrete edging for patios and walks.
- Buy extra from the same batch. Colours vary between production runs, so keep a few spare pavers for future repairs.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need for a 10×12 patio?
With 4 × 8 in pavers, 120 ft² takes 540 pavers, or 594 with a 10% allowance for cuts. With 6 × 9 in pavers it takes 320 (352 with 10%).
How much gravel do I need under pavers?
For a patio, 4–6 in of compacted base. For 120 ft² at 4 in that is 40 ft³ compacted (about 1.5 yd³), plus extra loose stone to allow for compaction.
How much sand do I need for pavers?
About 1 in of bedding sand under the pavers: 1 ft³ for every 12 ft² of patio. A 120 ft² patio needs 10 ft³, or 20 bags of 0.5 ft³. You'll also need joint sand to sweep in at the end.
How much extra pavers should I buy?
About 10% for straight patterns and 15% for herringbone or diagonal layouts. Curved edges and lots of corners need more.
How deep should a paver base be for a driveway?
ICPI gives a minimum of 6–8 in of compacted aggregate base for residential driveways on firm soil, and 8–12 in for heavy vehicles or soft, wet or clay soil. Check local requirements before you dig.
More paver calculators
Related calculators
- Gravel CalculatorCubic yards and tons of gravel, pea gravel or crushed stone, with bags and cost.
- Concrete CalculatorSlabs, footings, sonotubes, walls, steps and post holes: cubic yards, 40/60/80 lb bags and cost.
- Concrete Block Calculator8×8×16 blocks for a wall, minus doors and windows, plus mortar bags and optional core fill.
- Topsoil CalculatorCubic yards, tons and 40 lb bags of topsoil for lawns, beds and low spots.