Paver Calculator
✓ Your estimate
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Pavers Needed
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Square Feet
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Gravel (cu yd)
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Sand (cu yd)
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Sand (60 lb bags)
⚠ Buy pavers from the same production batch. Colors vary between batches -- matching replacements later can be impossible.
What the Result Means
The paver count includes your selected waste factor. The base gravel estimate assumes a standard 4-inch compacted gravel base. The sand bed assumes a 1-inch coarse sand setting layer. Both are industry standard for residential paver installations.
If you need to estimate gravel separately for the base delivery, use the gravel calculator. If you are deciding between pavers and a poured slab, see the concrete slab calculator for comparison. All outdoor tools are at the outdoor calculators page.
How the Calculation Works
Area (sq ft) = Length x Width
Base Pavers = Area / Paver Size (sq ft)
Total Pavers = Base Pavers x (1 + Waste %)
Gravel (cu yd) = (Area x 0.333 ft) / 27
4-inch gravel base: depth = 4/12 = 0.333 ft
Sand (cu yd) = (Area x 0.0833 ft) / 27
1-inch sand bed: depth = 1/12 = 0.0833 ft
Worked Example
Example: 20 ft x 16 ft patio, 12x12 pavers, 10% waste
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Area: 20 x 16 = 320 sq ft
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Base pavers: 320 / 1 = 320 pavers
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With 10% waste: 320 x 1.10 = 352 pavers
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Gravel base (4 in): (320 x 0.333) / 27 = 3.95 cubic yards
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Sand bed (1 in): (320 x 0.0833) / 27 = 0.99 cubic yards / ~40 bags
Ordering and Installation Notes
Assumptions Used by This Calculator
- Project area is calculated as length x width in feet.
- Paver count is based on the selected paver size (square footage per paver).
- Waste allowance accounts for cuts, breakage, and pattern layout.
- Base gravel is estimated using a standard 4-inch depth (0.333 ft).
- Sand bed is estimated using a standard 1-inch depth (0.0833 ft).
- Actual requirements vary by soil type, traffic load, climate, and local conditions.
- Sand bags are estimated at 0.5 cubic feet per 60 lb bag -- confirm with your supplier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pavers do I need for a 10x10 patio?
A 10x10 patio is 100 sq ft. Using 12x12 inch pavers (1 sq ft each), you need 100 pavers plus waste -- about 110 with 10% waste. Using 16x16 inch pavers (1.78 sq ft each), you need about 57 plus waste.
How much base gravel do pavers need?
For foot traffic patios and walkways, a 4-inch compacted gravel base is standard. For driveways, use 6-8 inches. Skimping on base depth is the most common reason paver surfaces fail over time.
How much sand goes under pavers?
Use a 1-inch sand setting bed of coarse concrete sand (also called sharp sand or washed concrete sand). Do not use play sand or fine sand -- it compresses unevenly and causes paver movement. Polymeric sand is used to fill joints after installation.
How much waste should I add for pavers?
For a simple rectangular patio with straight cuts, 10% is standard. For diagonal patterns, herringbone, or lots of curves, add 15-20%. Always buy from the same production batch -- colors vary between batches.
Do larger pavers reduce the total count?
Yes -- larger pavers cover more area per piece so you need fewer. However, larger pavers can be harder to cut for edges and corners, which can increase waste percentage. Use the paver size dropdown above to compare counts.
Do pavers need edge restraints?
Yes, for almost any paver installation. Without edge restraints, pavers gradually shift outward under foot traffic and freeze-thaw cycles. Plastic or metal edge restraints are spiked into the base around the perimeter before the final pavers are set.
Can I install pavers over concrete?
Yes -- this is called an overlay installation. The concrete must be structurally sound with no major cracks. Use a thin mortar or sand bed (about 0.5 inches) instead of a full gravel base. This works well for updating existing concrete patios.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only. Paver counts, gravel, and sand quantities depend on site conditions, pattern, and installation method. Verify all quantities with your supplier before ordering. See all outdoor material calculators.