Paver Calculator

Please fill in the required fields with values greater than 0.
–pavers needed
–area (sq ft)
–gravel base (cu yd)
–bedding sand (cu yd, 1 in)

Estimate only. Joints are not included, and pavers are sold in full pallets or boxes, so check the coverage on the label.

How to use this calculator

Enter the patio size and the paver size in inches. Choose the waste allowance and the depth of the gravel base. Press Calculate to see the pavers, the base gravel and the bedding sand.

The formula

Pavers = area ÷ paver area × (1 + waste %)
Gravel base = area × depth ÷ 12 ÷ 27 (cubic yards)
Bedding sand = area × 1 inch ÷ 12 ÷ 27

Example: A 10 ft × 10 ft patio with 4 in × 8 in pavers needs 450 pavers. With 10% waste you need 495 pavers, 1.23 cubic yards of base gravel and 0.31 cubic yards of sand.

Planning your paver patio materials

This calculator estimates the three main materials for a paver patio: the pavers themselves, the gravel base and the bedding sand. Getting all three right keeps the job on schedule and helps the patio stay flat for years.

What the result means in practice

The paver count includes your waste allowance for cuts at edges and breakage. The gravel and sand figures are in cubic yards, which is how bulk suppliers sell them. If you buy bagged material, convert the totals to bags using the coverage printed on the bag.

A real-world example

A 12 ft by 16 ft patio is 192 sq ft. Using 6 in by 9 in pavers (0.375 sq ft each), you need 512 pavers before waste. With 10% extra, that is about 564 pavers. A 4 in gravel base takes about 2.37 cubic yards, while a 6 in base takes about 3.56 cubic yards. The 1 in sand bed adds about 0.59 cubic yards.

Main factors that change your totals

  • Use: Walkways and patios need less base than driveways, which carry vehicles.
  • Soil: Clay and poorly draining soils often need a deeper base.
  • Pattern: Herringbone, circles and curved edges mean more cuts and more waste.
  • Paver size: Large pavers cover area faster but may waste more at the edges.

Tips and common mistakes

  • Excavate deep enough for the base, sand and paver thickness combined.
  • Compact the base in layers of a few inches each, not all at once.
  • Slope the patio away from the house so water drains off. A common rule of thumb is about 1/4 inch per foot.
  • Order a little extra gravel, since it settles when compacted.
  • Do not skip edge restraints. Without them, the outer pavers can drift.
  • Use polymeric sand in the joints after laying to lock pavers and resist weeds.

Buying and cost advice

Pavers are often sold by the pallet, and suppliers may charge for the pallet itself, with a refund if you return it. Bulk gravel and sand are usually cheaper than bags for anything larger than a small walkway, but delivery fees apply. Ask whether the supplier can drop material close to the work area. Rent a plate compactor rather than tamping by hand on all but the smallest jobs. Before digging, call 811 so underground utilities are marked, and check local rules on lot coverage and drainage.

Frequently asked questions

How many pavers do I need for a patio?
Divide the patio area by the area of one paver and add 10 percent for cuts and waste.
How deep should the paver base be?
Use 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel for patios and walkways, and 8 to 12 inches for driveways.
How much bedding sand do I need?
Spread about 1 inch of sand over the compacted base.
How much waste should I add?
Add 5 percent for simple layouts, 10 percent for most patios and 15 percent for curves or patterns.
Do I need edge restraints?
Yes. Edge restraints keep the pavers from spreading and are important for a durable patio.
How long does it take to install a paver patio?
For a DIYer, a small patio of about 150 to 200 sq ft often takes two to four weekends. Excavation and base compaction usually take the most time and effort. Laying the pavers goes faster once the base is flat. A professional crew with equipment can often finish the same patio in a few days.
What is the best base material for pavers?
Most installers use a crushed angular gravel that compacts well, often sold as road base, crusher run or a similar product. Its mix of sizes locks together under a compactor. Avoid rounded pea gravel for the base because it shifts. Some modern systems use open-graded stone for drainage, which follows different installation steps.
Can pavers be laid directly on dirt?
It is not recommended for patios or walkways. Soil shifts as it gets wet, dries and freezes, so pavers laid on dirt tend to sink and become uneven. A compacted gravel base plus a thin sand layer spreads the load and drains water. Stepping stones in a garden are the main exception.