Paver Calculator
Calculate pavers, base gravel and bedding sand for a patio, walkway or driveway. Includes waste and cost estimates.
Pavers needed
991
- Patio area
- 200 sq ft
- Pavers
- 991
- Base gravel
- 3.46 tons
- Bedding sand
- 0.62 cu yd
- Estimated paver cost
- $1,189.20
Assumes a 4 in compacted base, 1 in sand and 10% waste. Base gravel is estimated at 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
Pavers are only one part of a patio order. The base gravel and bedding sand usually weigh more than the pavers themselves, and skimping on either is why patios settle. This calculator estimates all three from the patio dimensions.
Choose the paver size and the base depth for your application: about 4 inches of compacted base for a patio or walkway, and 6–8 inches for a driveway. The sand layer is a bedding course, not a substitute for base.
How the paver calculator works
Patio area = length × width. Paver area = paver width × paver height, converted to square feet. Pavers = area × (1 + waste) ÷ paver area, rounded up. Base gravel volume = area × base depth, converted to cubic yards and then tons at 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Sand volume is area × sand depth in cubic yards.
Worked example
A 20 × 10 ft patio is 200 sq ft. With 4 × 8 pavers (0.222 sq ft each) and 10% waste, that is 991 pavers. A 4-inch base needs about 3.46 tons of gravel, and a 1-inch sand bed needs about 0.62 cubic yards.
Base preparation for pavers
- Excavate to the paver thickness plus the base and sand depth, then compact the subgrade.
- Place the base in 2-inch lifts and compact each lift with a plate compactor. A 4-inch base is for foot traffic; driveways need 6–8 inches.
- Screed the bedding sand to a uniform 1 inch. Do not use the sand to fix a bad base.
- Lay the pavers, cut the edges, compact again, then install edge restraint and polymeric sand.
Paver patterns and waste
| Pattern | Typical waste | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Running bond | 5–10% | Simplest and fastest |
| Basketweave | 10–12% | Square modules; more cuts at edges |
| Herringbone | 12–15% | Strong interlock; many angle cuts |
| Circular or curved | 15%+ | Cutting and layout intensive |
Common paver mistakes
- Skipping the compacted base because the pavers look thick enough.
- Using too much sand and calling it a base; sand shifts and holds water.
- No edge restraint, which lets the outer course spread.
- Forgetting that base gravel is sold by the ton while pavers are sold by the piece.
Frequently asked questions
How many 4 × 8 pavers are in a square foot?
About 4.5 pavers per square foot. A 100 sq ft patio needs roughly 450 pavers before waste, or about 495 with 10% waste.
How much base do I need under pavers?
Four inches of compacted base is typical for patios and walkways. Driveways usually need 6–8 inches, and the subgrade must be compacted before the base goes down.
Do I need sand under pavers?
Yes, a 1-inch bedding sand layer helps level the pavers and lock them together. The sand does not replace the structural base, and polymeric sand is used in the joints after installation.
How many pavers do I need for 100 square feet?
It depends on the paver size: about 450 for 4 × 8, about 267 for 6 × 9, and 100 for 12 × 12. Add 10% for a running bond and 15% for herringbone.
Can I lay pavers directly on dirt?
No. Pavers need a compacted base and a bedding layer. Without them, the surface will shift, settle and hold water, especially after freeze-thaw cycles.
How long before I can walk on new pavers?
You can walk on them immediately after installation. Wait until the polymeric sand has set before watering or driving; follow the product instructions, usually 24 hours.
Assumptions and accuracy
- Dimensions are converted to feet before the calculation; 1 ft = 12 in = 0.3048 m.
- Waste allowances are estimates. Add more for irregular shapes, many cuts and uneven subgrade.
- Bag yields, coverage rates and material densities vary by product. Check the label or ask your supplier.
- Local building codes and site conditions always take precedence over a general-purpose calculator.
- Read our full methodology