Paver Calculator
Enter the patio or path size in metres to get the number of pavers, tonnes of Granular A / ¾" crushed stone, bedding sand and an estimated cost in CAD.
Formulas shown on this page · Last reviewed October 2026
Tonnes assume the thickness you enter is the compacted depth, using about 2.1 t/m³ for the base and 1.6 t/m³ for sand. Suppliers’ densities vary, so confirm with your merchant.
How the paver calculator works
pavers = area ÷ ((width + joint) × (length + joint)) × (1 + waste)
tonnes = area (m²) × depth (mm) ÷ 1,000 × density (t/m³)
Choose a common size for Canada – the presets cover the sizes most often sold as interlocking pavers and slabs at landscape supply yards and home centres – or enter a custom size. Joint width is added to each unit, and about 10% extra covers cuts and breakages.
Base and bedding layers
Granular A or ¾" crushed stone is compacted in lifts; about 150 mm suits patios and walkways, and more is used for driveways and frost-prone sites. The calculator uses 150 mm of Granular A / ¾" crushed stone and 25 mm of bedding sand by default; both depths are editable.
| Layer | Default depth | Density used |
|---|---|---|
| Granular A / ¾" crushed stone | 150 mm (compacted) | 2.1 t/m³ |
| bedding sand | 25 mm | 1.6 t/m³ |
Depths are treated as the finished, compacted thickness, so the density is that of compacted material. Loose material is lighter per cubic metre but compacts down by around a fifth, so both approaches give a similar tonnage to order. An extra 10% allows for uneven ground and spillage.
Frost heave matters in most of Canada, so depth of base and drainage are important; bedding sand is typically screeded to about 25 mm. Prices are typical – check local prices and enter your merchant’s per-tonne rates; delivery is not included.
Frequently asked questions
How many 200 × 100 mm pavers for a 5 × 4 m area?
The area is 20 m². With 5 mm joints and 10% waste you need 1,023 pavers.
How much Granular A / ¾" crushed stone do I need for 20 m²?
At 150 mm compacted and 2.1 t/m³ that is 6.3 tonnes, or about 6.9 tonnes with 10% extra.
How much bedding sand is needed?
A 25 mm bed over 20 m² is 0.5 m³, about 0.88 tonnes at 1.6 t/m³ with 10% extra – roughly 45 bags of 20 kg.
What will the project cost?
At the default prices the pavers, base and sand for 20 m² come to about $1,477, excluding edging, delivery, labour and plate-compactor hire.