Paver Calculator

The formula

Coverage and yield assumptions

Paver counts use the nominal face size; most concrete pavers have built-in spacer nubs, so no extra joint is added. Base tonnage assumes about 1.4 tons per cubic yard of crushed aggregate before compaction. The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (formerly ICPI) recommends a 1 in bedding layer of coarse concrete sand and a base of about 4–6 in for pedestrian patios and 8–12 in for driveways, more on clay soils.

Excavation depth

Total dig depth = base + 1 in sand + paver thickness (often 2-3/8 in) − any height the patio sits above grade. For a 6 in base that is about 9-1/2 in. Slope the subgrade and base about 1/4 in per foot away from the house so water drains. Call 811 a few days before digging.

Edges and joints

Pavers need a rigid edge restraint (plastic, aluminum or concrete) spiked into the base, or the field will creep apart. After setting and compacting, sweep polymeric or fine joint sand into the joints and compact again. Polymeric sand hardens with water and resists weeds and ants.

Patterns and waste

Running bond and stack bond have the least cutting. Herringbone at 45° or 90° interlocks best for driveways but needs cuts along every edge. Circle kits and multi-size patterns are sold by the square foot or by the kit, so confirm the coverage in the spec sheet.

Tools

• Plate compactor (rent) for the base and the finished surface.
• Screed rails and a straight board for the sand bed.
• Wet saw or splitter for cuts; wear eye and respiratory protection.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using too thin a base for the soil or traffic.
• Compacting the bedding sand before laying pavers.
• Leaving out an edge restraint.
• Forgetting to slope the patio away from the house.
• Not compacting the finished surface after sweeping in joint sand.

Waste factor

Use 5% for square patios in running bond, 10% for curved edges or mixed sizes, and 15% for herringbone at 45° or designs with many cuts.

Imperial and metric

Switch the toggle above the inputs to enter ft ↔ m, in ↔ cm. The page converts metric entries to imperial before calculating, using NIST factors (1 ft = 0.3048 m, 1 in = 2.54 cm), and shows key results in both systems.

Worked examples

Patio 12 × 10 ft, 4 × 8 pavers

Inputs: patio length 12 ft; patio width 10 ft; paver length 8 in; paver width 4 in; gravel base depth 6 in; waste factor 10%.

Result: You need 594 pavers.

• Units to buy (rounded up): 594 pavers
• Patio area: 120 sq ft (11.1 m²)
• Gravel base: 2.22 cu yd (about 3.1 tons)
• Bedding sand (1 in): 0.37 cu yd

Walkway 30 × 4 ft, 6 × 9 pavers

Inputs: patio length 30 ft; patio width 4 ft; paver length 9 in; paver width 6 in; gravel base depth 4 in; waste factor 10%; cost per unit $0.95.

Result: You need 352 pavers.

• Units to buy (rounded up): 352 pavers
• Patio area: 120 sq ft (11.1 m²)
• Gravel base: 1.48 cu yd (about 2.1 tons)
• Bedding sand (1 in): 0.37 cu yd
• Estimated material cost: $334.40

Driveway 20 × 18 ft

Inputs: patio length 20 ft; patio width 18 ft; paver length 8 in; paver width 4 in; gravel base depth 10 in; waste factor 15%.

Result: You need 1,863 pavers.

• Units to buy (rounded up): 1,863 pavers
• Patio area: 360 sq ft (33.4 m²)
• Gravel base: 11.11 cu yd (about 15.6 tons)
• Bedding sand (1 in): 1.11 cu yd

Quick reference for common sizes

The table repeats the first worked example at smaller and larger sizes, keeping every other setting the same, so you can see how the paver calculator result scales.

Limitations

Base depth needs depend on soil, frost and traffic. Driveways and poorly draining clay need a deeper base and possibly geotextile. Gravel and sand volumes are before compaction; buy a little extra.