Paver Calculator
Enter your project area dimensions and paver size to calculate total pavers needed, base materials (gravel and sand), and estimated cost. Supports common paver sizes and laying patterns.
Paver Details
Base Materials
Cost Breakdown
| Material | Quantity | Cost |
|---|
Laying Pattern Guide
Pattern choice affects both appearance and the amount of cutting waste. Herringbone is strongest for driveways; running bond is simplest with minimal cuts.
Common Paver Sizes Reference
| Paver Size | Area per Paver | Pavers per Sq Ft | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4" x 8" (Brick) | 32 sq in | 4.5 | Walkways, borders, herringbone patterns |
| 6" x 6" | 36 sq in | 4.0 | Patios, small areas, accent sections |
| 6" x 9" | 54 sq in | 2.7 | Patios, walkways, versatile sizing |
| 8" x 8" | 64 sq in | 2.3 | Patios, driveways, grid patterns |
| 12" x 12" | 144 sq in | 1.0 | Large patios, modern look, fast install |
| 16" x 16" | 256 sq in | 0.56 | Large areas, contemporary design |
| 24" x 24" | 576 sq in | 0.25 | Stepping stones, modern minimalist |
Base Material Depth Guide
| Project Type | Gravel Base | Bedding Sand | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Walkway | 4" | 1" | Pedestrian traffic only |
| Patio | 4-6" | 1" | Standard residential use |
| Pool Deck | 6" | 1" | Needs good drainage |
| Residential Driveway | 8-10" | 1" | Passenger vehicle traffic |
| Commercial Driveway | 10-12" | 1" | Heavy vehicle traffic |
Always compact the gravel base in 2-inch lifts. The bedding sand should not be compacted before laying pavers -- it will compact as pavers are set and vibrated.
How It Works
The paver calculator uses these formulas:
Paver Quantity
Pavers = (Area in sq ft) / ((Paver Length + Joint) x (Paver Width + Joint) / 144) x (1 + Waste%)
Each paver's effective coverage includes the joint spacing on two sides. The result is rounded up since you cannot buy partial pavers.
Gravel Base Volume
Cubic Yards = (Area sq ft x Depth in inches) / (12 x 27)
Gravel is typically sold by the cubic yard or by the ton. Crushed stone weighs approximately 1.4 tons per cubic yard. The calculator adds 10% extra to account for compaction.
Bedding Sand Volume
Cubic Yards = (Area sq ft x Sand Depth in inches) / (12 x 27)
Sand weighs approximately 1.3 tons per cubic yard. A standard 1-inch layer of bedding sand is used for most installations.
Polymeric Sand (Joint Fill)
Polymeric sand is estimated at approximately 1 bag (50 lb) per 30 square feet for standard 1/4" joints. Wider joints require more sand. This type of sand hardens when wet and prevents weed growth between pavers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how many pavers I need?
Measure your project area in square feet (length x width). Select your paver size and joint spacing. The calculator divides the total area by each paver's effective coverage area (including joints) and adds a waste percentage for cuts and breakage.
How much gravel base do I need for pavers?
A standard paver patio requires a 4-6 inch compacted gravel base. For driveways, use 8-12 inches. Multiply your area by the depth and convert to cubic yards. Order 10% extra because gravel compacts during installation.
How much sand do I need under pavers?
You need two types of sand: bedding sand (1 inch layer under pavers) and polymeric sand (to fill joints). For bedding sand, multiply your area by 1 inch and convert to cubic yards. For polymeric joint sand, plan on about 1 bag per 30 square feet.
What is the best paver pattern for a patio?
Running bond is the most popular for patios -- it is easy to install with minimal cutting waste (5-10%). Herringbone is the strongest pattern and recommended for driveways, though it produces about 10% waste. Basketweave creates an attractive woven look. The pattern you choose affects how many pavers you need due to different waste percentages.
Why do I need a waste factor?
Pavers need to be cut at edges, around obstacles, and at angles. Some pavers may also break during cutting or handling. A 5% waste factor is typical for simple rectangular areas with running bond; use 10-15% for herringbone, diagonal patterns, or areas with many curves.
Does this calculator store my data?
No. All calculations run entirely in your browser. No data is sent to any server, and nothing is stored.
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Privacy & Limitations
- All calculations run entirely in your browser -- nothing is sent to any server.
- Results are estimates and may vary based on actual conditions.
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Paver Calculator FAQ
How do I calculate how many pavers I need?
Measure your project area in square feet. Determine the paver size including joint spacing. Divide the total area by the area of one paver (with joints) to get the number of pavers. Add 5-10% for waste from cuts and breakage.
How much gravel base do I need for pavers?
A standard paver base requires 4-6 inches of compacted gravel (typically crushed stone or road base). For a 4-inch base, multiply your area in square feet by 0.012 to get cubic yards. One cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons.
How much sand do I need under pavers?
You need a 1-inch layer of bedding sand under pavers. Multiply your area in square feet by 0.003 to get cubic yards. You also need polymeric sand to fill the joints between pavers, typically about 1 bag per 25-40 square feet depending on joint width.
What is the best paver pattern for a patio?
Running bond (brick pattern) is the most popular and easiest to install with minimal cuts. Herringbone is strongest for driveways. Basketweave and stacked bond are simple alternatives. Pattern choice affects waste percentage - herringbone typically produces 10% waste while running bond produces about 5%.
How much do pavers cost per square foot?
Concrete pavers cost $3-6 per square foot for materials. Brick pavers run $5-10 per square foot. Natural stone pavers cost $8-20+ per square foot. Professional installation typically adds $8-15 per square foot for labor.
Does this calculator store my data?
No. All calculations run entirely in your browser. No data is sent to any server, and nothing is stored.