How to use this paver calculator
- Measure the patio length and width.
- Enter the size of one paver.
- Add 5% extra for straight layouts, 10–15% for diagonal or herringbone patterns.
- Set the base depth: 4 inches for patios, 6–8 inches for driveways.
Example
A 12 × 16 ft patio with standard 4 × 8 in pavers needs 908 pavers including 5% extra for cuts. Underneath you need 2.37 cu yd of compacted gravel base and 0.59 cu yd of bedding sand.
What to know before you buy
Pavers per square foot
The number of pavers per square foot depends only on their size. Standard 4 × 8 inch brick pavers need 4.5 per square foot, 6 × 6 inch pavers need 4, 6 × 9 inch need about 2.7, and 12 × 12 inch need 1. Many modern pavers come in multi-size kits sold by the square foot; in that case simply order the patio area plus your waste allowance.
Layers under a paver patio
A durable patio has three layers: compacted soil, 4–6 inches of compacted crushed gravel base (more for driveways or poor soil), and a 1 inch layer of bedding sand. After laying, pavers are compacted and the joints filled with polymeric sand.
Pavers (4 × 8 in) for common patio sizes, with 5% extra
| Patio | Pavers needed | Gravel base | Bedding sand (1 in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 473 | 1.23 cu yd | 0.31 cu yd |
| 12 × 12 ft | 681 | 1.78 cu yd | 0.44 cu yd |
| 12 × 16 ft | 908 | 2.37 cu yd | 0.59 cu yd |
| 16 × 16 ft | 1210 | 3.16 cu yd | 0.79 cu yd |
| 16 × 20 ft | 1512 | 3.95 cu yd | 0.99 cu yd |
| 20 × 20 ft | 1890 | 4.94 cu yd | 1.23 cu yd |
Formula
Pavers = patio area × (1 + waste) ÷ area of one paver. Base volume = area × base depth; sand = area × 1 inch.
Tips from the pros
- Slope the base about 1/4 inch per foot away from the house for drainage.
- Compact the gravel base in 2 inch layers with a plate compactor.
- Install a rigid edge restraint so the pavers cannot spread over time.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Laying pavers on soil or sand alone without a gravel base.
- Ordering exactly the patio area: cuts along edges and curves always use extra pavers.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers per square foot?
For standard 4 × 8 inch pavers, 4.5 pavers per square foot.
Do I need sand and gravel under pavers?
Yes: a compacted gravel base for drainage and stability, then about 1 inch of bedding sand.
How many pavers do I need for a 10x10 patio?
With standard 4 × 8 in pavers, 450 pavers for 100 sq ft, plus 5–10% extra for cuts.
How deep should the base be for pavers?
About 4–6 inches of compacted gravel for patios and walkways, and 8–12 inches for driveways.