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Paver Calculator

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Enter your patio, walkway, or driveway area and paver size to find exactly how many pavers you need for the project.

Paver Calculator

Live
Pavers needed
126
Base gravel
1.48 cu yd
Sand layer
0.37 cu yd
Base gravel estimate assumes a 4 in compacted base; sand assumes a 1 in bedding layer.

The formula

Pavers needed = ceiling( (Area x (1 + Waste %)) / Paver coverage ) Base gravel (cu yd) = (Area x 4in depth in feet) / 27 Sand layer (cu yd) = (Area x 1in depth in feet) / 27
Example

A 120 sq ft patio with 12x12 in pavers (1 sq ft each) and 5% waste: 120 x 1.05 = 126 sq ft, so 126 pavers - plus about 1.48 cubic yards of gravel base and 0.37 cubic yards of sand bedding.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Measure the area you're paving, in square feet.
  2. Enter your paver's dimensions in inches.
  3. Read the paver count, plus estimated base gravel and sand needed for a proper installed base.

Why the base layers matter as much as the pavers

A paver patio's long-term stability depends heavily on the layers underneath it, not just the pavers themselves. A compacted gravel base (typically 4-6 inches, more in areas with poor drainage or heavy freeze-thaw cycles) provides structural support and drainage, while a thin sand bedding layer (usually about 1 inch) lets each paver settle into a level, consistent surface. Skipping or skimping on these layers is one of the most common reasons a paver patio shifts, sinks, or develops uneven spots within a few years.

Common mistakes

Skimping on the gravel base to save material - an undersized or poorly compacted base is the leading cause of a paver patio shifting or sinking unevenly over time.
Forgetting edge restraints (plastic or metal edging) along the perimeter - without them, outer pavers tend to spread apart and drift over time.

Frequently asked questions

How deep should the gravel base be?

4 inches is a common minimum for patios and walkways with no vehicle traffic. Driveways or areas with poor drainage or significant freeze-thaw cycles often need 6-8 inches or more - check local guidance for your climate and soil type.

Do I need polymeric sand between the joints?

It's commonly recommended for the joint (gap) sand specifically, since it hardens somewhat and resists weed growth and ant activity better than plain sand - this is separate from the bedding sand layer this calculator estimates.

What waste percentage should I use for a curved patio?

A curved or angled layout needs more cuts than a simple rectangle, so consider 10-15% waste instead of the standard 5% used for straightforward rectangular areas.

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