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Landscape & Aggregates

Paver Calculator

This paver calculator counts pavers, base gravel and bedding sand for a patio or walk; our paver patio installation guide walks through each layer. A paver installation is three layers: compacted base aggregate, a thin bed of sand, and the pavers themselves. This calculator estimates all three from the area, paver size and layer depths. Pattern matters — herringbone and borders produce more cuts, so increase waste.

Results from this paver calculator are planning estimates; confirm quantities and prices with your supplier or contractor before you order.

Enter your project

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in
m
ft
in
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in
cm
in
cm
%

5% running bond; 10–15% herringbone or curves.

in
cm

Commonly 4–6 in for patios and walks; more for driveways and poor soils.

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cm

Results

Your results will appear here

Enter your measurements and press Calculate. Defaults show a typical example.

How to use the paver calculator

  1. Enter the patio area.
  2. Enter the paver face size in inches (nominal face size works for most concrete pavers).
  3. Set waste for your pattern.
  4. Enter base and sand depths from your plan.

Formula

Pavers = area × 144 ÷ (paver length × width) × (1 + waste). Base or sand (yd³) = area × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27.

Worked example

A 16 × 12 ft patio with 4 × 8 in pavers: 192 × 4.5 = 864 pavers, or 908 with 5% waste; 2.37 yd³ of base at 4 in and 0.59 yd³ of sand at 1 in.

Tips for using the paver calculator

  • Add 5–10% extra pavers for cuts at edges and curves, and more for patterned layouts.
  • Plan base depth for the use: about 4–6 in for patios and 8–12 in for driveways.
  • Install edge restraint around the perimeter so pavers do not spread over time.
  • Compact the base in thin lifts and check slope with a string line before laying sand; most paver problems, like settling and puddles, start with a poorly prepared base.
Hands setting red clay pavers in a running-bond pattern on a sand bed

Paver Calculator FAQs

How many pavers per square foot?

4.5 for 4 × 8 in pavers; 1 for 12 × 12 in; 2.25 for 6 × 9 in (approximately, using face size).

How much does a paver patio cost?

Industry estimates put about $8–$25 per sq ft depending on material, with a national average project around $3,350. See our paver patio guide.

Do I need edge restraint?

Yes — edge restraints keep pavers from spreading. Plan for them along every unsupported edge.

Estimate before you call a contractor

Run the numbers with our free calculators so you can compare bids with confidence.

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