How to use the paver calculator
Measure the length and width of the patio or path in feet, and enter the size of one paver in inches as listed by the manufacturer. Many pavers are sold in a nominal size, such as 4 × 8 inches, which already accounts for the small joints between them. For an irregular shape, split it into rectangles and add the results.
How the calculation works
Area = length × width
Pavers = area × 144 ÷ (paver length × paver width) × (1 + waste %), rounded up
Gravel base = area × base depth ÷ 12 ÷ 27 × 1.1 (cubic yards, with 10% for compaction)
Bedding sand = area × sand depth ÷ 12 ÷ 27 (cubic yards)
Digging depth = base + sand + paver thickness
In the example above, a 12 × 12 ft patio is 144 square feet. A 4 × 8 inch paver covers 32 square inches, so you need 648 pavers, or 713 with 10% extra. A 4 inch base takes about 1.96 cubic yards of gravel with compaction, and a 1 inch sand bed takes 0.44 cubic yards. You would dig down about 7 3/8 inches.
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 |
Base, sand and edging
- Gravel base. A compacted layer of crushed stone carries the weight and keeps pavers from sinking. Patios and walkways commonly use 4 to 6 inches; driveways and poorly drained soils need more. Use the paver manufacturer's installation guide for your situation, and our gravel calculator to convert the base to tons.
- Bedding sand. About 1 inch of coarse sand is screeded flat over the base so each paver sits evenly.
- Edging. Edge restraints along the sides stop the pavers from spreading. You need about one linear foot of edging for every foot of perimeter, minus any side that runs against the house.
- Joint sand. After the pavers are laid, sand swept into the joints locks them together. Polymeric joint sand bags list how many square feet they cover.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need for a 10 × 10 patio?
With 4 × 8 inch pavers, a 10 × 10 ft patio needs 450 pavers, or 495 with 10% extra. With 12 × 12 inch pavers it needs 100, or 110 with extra.
How deep should I dig for pavers?
Add the base, the sand and the paver together. For a patio with a 4 inch base, 1 inch of sand and standard 2 3/8 inch pavers, dig about 7 3/8 inches below the finished height. With a 6 inch base, dig about 9 3/8 inches.
How much gravel do I need under pavers?
For a 4 inch base, about 1.36 cubic yards per 100 square feet including 10% for compaction. A 6 inch base takes about 2.04 cubic yards per 100 square feet.
Which paver thickness should I use?
Standard 2 3/8 inch (60 mm) pavers are used for patios and walkways. Driveways usually use thicker 3 1/8 inch (80 mm) pavers, which handle the weight of cars better.
This calculator gives an estimate for buying materials. Follow the paver manufacturer's installation guide for base depth and compaction.