A long-lasting paver patio sits on 4–6 in of compacted crushed stone (8–12 in for driveways) and a 1-in screeded layer of coarse sand, with an edge restraint to stop the pavers creeping. Order 5–10% extra pavers for cuts and breakage, more for curves and herringbone patterns.
How to use the Paver Calculator
- Area length
- Area width
- Paver size
- Joint width
- Waste
- Gravel base depth
- Sand bed depth
- Price per paver
- Base gravel price
- Sand price
- Edge restraint price
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter the area dimensions, choose the paver size and joint, waste, base and sand depths and prices. The calculator counts pavers and works out the base stone and sand by weight.
Tips for an accurate estimate
- Take measurements at floor level and at the ceiling – walls and rooms are often slightly out of square.
- Use the manufacturer’s coverage, spacing and installation data when it differs from the typical values here.
- Keep a little extra of every finish material for touch-ups and repairs later.
- Check local building codes and permits before structural, electrical, plumbing or gas work.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sizing heating or cooling equipment by area alone when insulation, windows and climate make a big difference.
- Buying too little paint, stain or flooring and ending up with mismatched batches.
- Overlooking the extra material for steps, railings, gables and trim.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Area length | Units: ft, m, in, yd, cm |
| Area width | Units: ft, m, in, yd, cm |
| Paver size | Choose one: 4 × 8 in (holland / brick), 6 × 6 in, 6 × 9 in, 12 × 12 in … |
| Joint width | Units: in, cm, mm, ft, m |
| Waste | In % |
| Gravel base depth | Units: in, cm, mm, ft, m |
| Sand bed depth | Units: in, cm, mm, ft, m |
| Price per paver | Units: /piece |
| Base gravel price | Units: /US ton, /t, /lb, /kg |
| Sand price | Units: /US ton, /t, /lb, /kg |
| Edge restraint price | Units: /ft, /m, /yd |
What each result means
- Area = [Area length]×[Area width]
- Pavers needed = ceil([Area]÷(([Paver length] + [Joint width])×([Paver width] + [Joint width]))×(1 + [Waste]÷100))
- Base gravel = [Area]×[Gravel base depth]×1.2×1602
- Bedding sand = [Area]×[Sand bed depth]×1650
- Edge restraint = 2×([Area length] + [Area width])
- Material cost = [Pavers needed]×[Price per paver] + [Base gravel]×[Base gravel price] + [Bedding sand]×[Sand price] + [Edge restraint]×[Edge restraint price]
Example values
How the main result changes when Area length changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Area length (ft) | Pavers needed |
|---|---|
| 8 | 454 |
| 12 | 681 |
| 16 | 908 |
| 20 | 1,135 |
| 24 | 1,362 |
| 32 | 1,815 |
Formula
Pavers = area ÷ (paver L + joint)(paver W + joint) × (1 + waste)Base = area × base depth × 1.2 (compaction) × densitySand = area × 1 in × density; edging = perimeterWorked example
Inputs — Area length: 16 ft; Area width: 12 ft; Paver size: 4 × 8 in (holland / brick); Joint width: 0.125 in; Waste: 10 %; Gravel base depth: 4 in; Sand bed depth: 1 in; Price per paver: $0.6 /piece; Base gravel price: $40 /US ton; Sand price: $45 /US ton; Edge restraint price: $1.5 /ft.
Results — Area = 192 ft²; Pavers needed = 908; Base gravel = 3.84 US ton; Bedding sand = 0.82 US ton; Edge restraint = 56 ft; Material cost = $819.50.
Frequently asked questions
How many 4 × 8 pavers per square foot?
4.5 pavers per ft² (without joints), so 100 ft² needs about 450 plus waste.
How much base do I need under pavers?
4–6 in of compacted crushed stone for patios and walks, 8–12 in for driveways, plus 1 in of sand.
How much extra should I order?
5% for simple rectangles, 10% for typical patios, 15% for curves, circles and herringbone.
What formula does the Paver Calculator use?
Pavers = area ÷ (paver L + joint)(paver W + joint) × (1 + waste).