How to use the paver calculator
- Enter the patio or path length and width.
- Enter the paver length and width in inches.
- Choose the extra for cuts: about 5% for square layouts, 10% or more for curves and herringbone.
- Enter the base and sand depths from the paver manufacturer's installation guide.
Order pavers from one production run where you can, so the colour stays even across the patio. Decoratoradvice suggests asking the yard about lot numbers.
Paver formulas
Area = length × width
Pavers = area ÷ (paver length × paver width) × (1 + extra)
Base gravel = area × base depth
Bedding sand = area × sand depth
Most concrete pavers have small spacer nubs, so the joints are already allowed for in their nominal size.
Worked example
A 12 × 10 ft patio in 4 × 8 in pavers, 5% extra, 4 in base, 1 in sand:
Area: 12 × 10 = 120 sq ft
One paver: 4 × 8 = 32 sq in = 0.222 sq ft
Pavers: 120 ÷ 0.222 = 540, with 5% extra 567
Base: 120 × 0.333 ft = 40 cu ft = 1.48 cu yd
Sand: 120 × 0.083 ft = 10 cu ft = 0.37 cu yd
Pavers per square foot
| Paver size | Pavers per sq ft |
|---|---|
| 4 × 8 in | 4.5 |
| 6 × 6 in | 4 |
| 6 × 9 in | 2.67 |
| 12 × 12 in | 1 |
| 16 × 16 in | 0.56 |
Tips
- Order base gravel by weight with the gravel calculator, since many suppliers sell by the ton.
- Compact the base in layers rather than all at once.
- For a raised patio or a step down, plan the edge wall with the retaining wall calculator.
- Clay brick pavers follow the same method; use their actual size.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the base. The gravel base is usually several times the volume of the sand.
- Using the wrong extra. Herringbone and curved edges create many more cuts than a straight grid.
- Measuring curves as rectangles without adding the cut allowance.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need for a 10 × 10 patio?
With 4 × 8 in pavers, 100 × 4.5 = 450, or 473 with 5% extra.
How deep should the base be under pavers?
Follow the paver manufacturer's guide for your soil and use. Driveways need a deeper base than patios and walkways.
How much sand do I need under pavers?
Bedding sand is usually about 1 in deep. For 120 sq ft, that is 10 cu ft, or 0.37 cu yd.
Should I use concrete instead of a gravel base?
Pavers are normally laid on compacted gravel and sand so they can flex and drain. A concrete slab is a different system; see the concrete calculator if you choose it.
Can I use bricks as pavers?
Use bricks rated as pavers for outdoor floors. Wall bricks are counted differently; see the brick calculator.
How do I measure an irregular patio?
Split it into rectangles and circles, add the areas with the square footage calculator, then enter the total as a single rectangle (for example, area × 1).
Key takeaways
- Pavers = area ÷ paver area, plus 5–10% for cuts.
- 4 × 8 in pavers cover 4.5 per sq ft.
- Plan base gravel and bedding sand at the same time.
- Use the manufacturer's base depth for your soil and traffic.