Paver Calculator

How to measure a paver patio

Measure the finished length and width of the patio or walkway. For L-shaped or irregular designs, split the area into rectangles, run the calculator for each one, and add the results. Measure to the outside of where the edge restraint will sit, because that is the area the pavers will fill.

Next, find the actual face size of your paver from the product information. Common rectangular pavers measure about 4 × 8 in (or 10 × 20 cm), and larger slabs are common too. Many concrete pavers have small spacer nubs that set a narrow joint; the calculator treats the paver size as the space each paver takes up, so if your supplier states coverage per pallet or per square foot, check it against the result.

The paver formulas

Convert all measurements to the same unit before multiplying. In imperial, a 4 × 8 in paver covers 32 sq in, which is 32 ÷ 144 = 0.222 sq ft. In metric, a 10 × 20 cm paver covers 0.02 m². Volumes are converted to weight at about 1.5 US tons per cubic yard for crushed base and 1.35 tons per cubic yard for dry bedding sand. These are planning figures; the volume results are the safer basis for an order if your supplier sells by the yard.

Worked example

A 16 × 12 ft patio with 4 × 8 in pavers, 10% waste, a 4 inch base, a 1 inch sand bed and a 15% compaction allowance:

1. Area: 16 × 12 = 192 sq ft.
2. Pavers: 192 ÷ 0.222 = 864, plus 10% = 950.4, so 951 pavers.
3. Base: 192 × (4 ÷ 12) = 64 cu ft, plus 15% = 73.6 cu ft = 2.73 yd³, about 4.09 tons.
4. Sand: 192 × (1 ÷ 12) = 16 cu ft, plus 15% = 18.4 cu ft = 0.68 yd³, about 0.92 tons.
5. Edge restraint: 2 × (16 + 12) = 56 ft, less any side against the house.
6. With the example prices, the materials come to about $918: $713 for pavers, $164 for base and $41 for sand.

The metric equivalent, a 4.8 × 3.6 m patio with 20 × 10 cm pavers, works out to 951 pavers as well, with about 1.99 m³ of base and 0.5 m³ of sand.

Waste allowance for pavers

A simple rectangle laid in a running bond or basket weave with few cuts may need only around 5% extra. Herringbone patterns, curves, circles and borders involve many more cuts, so allow 10% to 15% or more. Extra pavers are also useful for future repairs, since colours can vary between production runs. Many suppliers sell by the pallet or by the square foot, so round your order to the units they sell.

Base and sand

A paver patio is only as good as what is under it. The usual build-up is excavated, compacted soil, an optional geotextile, a crushed-stone base compacted in layers, a thin screeded bed of coarse sand, the pavers, and finally joint sand swept in and compacted. The required base depth depends on your soil, climate and whether vehicles will drive on the surface, so check the paver manufacturer's installation guide. Patios and walkways often use around 4 to 6 inches of base; driveways need more.

The compaction allowance accounts for the extra loose material needed to reach the finished compacted depth. Adjust it if your supplier gives a specific figure. Joint sand (including polymeric sand) is sold separately; follow the coverage on the bag.

Estimating paver patio cost

The calculator multiplies the paver count by your price per paver and converts base and sand weights into cost using your price per ton or tonne. The defaults are examples only. A full budget usually also includes excavation and soil disposal, edge restraints and spikes, joint sand, geotextile, plate-compactor and saw rental, delivery fees and, if you hire it out, labor. Enter your own quotes for a realistic figure.

If you are weighing pavers against a poured slab, compare this result with the concrete slab cost calculator for the same area.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate how many pavers I need?

Divide the patio area by the face area of one paver, then add a waste allowance and round up. For example, a 16 × 12 ft patio (192 sq ft) with 4 × 8 in pavers (0.222 sq ft each) needs 864 pavers, or 951 with 10% waste.

How much base gravel do I need under pavers?

Multiply the area by the base depth in feet and add an allowance for compaction. A 192 sq ft patio with a 4 inch base needs 64 cubic feet compacted, or about 73.6 cubic feet (2.7 cubic yards) of loose material with 15% added.

How much sand goes under pavers?

A bedding layer of about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of coarse concrete sand is common. Do not use the bedding layer to fix low spots; level the compacted base instead. Joint sand for between the pavers is bought separately and is usually a small quantity.

Do I need edge restraints for a paver patio?

Yes, in most designs. Edge restraints stop the outer pavers from creeping outward and the joints from opening up. The calculator gives the perimeter so you can buy enough edging; leave out any side that sits against a house wall or existing slab.

What weight assumptions does this calculator use?

It converts base gravel to weight at about 1.5 US tons per cubic yard and dry sand at about 1.35 tons per cubic yard. These are planning figures; suppliers may quote different densities, and the volume figures are the more reliable way to order.

Related guides

• Pavers vs Concrete Patio: Cost ComparisonCompare the cost of a paver patio and a poured concrete patio, installed and DIY, with a worked 12 x 16 ft example, upkeep and repair costs, and how to choose.
• How Much Pea Gravel Do I Need for a Patio?Work out how much pea gravel a patio needs in cubic yards, tons and bags, with depth advice, a base layer, coverage tables and worked examples.

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• Pea Gravel CalculatorCubic yards, tons and bags of pea gravel for paths, patios and play areas.