Paver Calculator
Plan a patio or walkway: calculate the number of pavers, base gravel, bedding sand and polymeric sand, plus a full material cost estimate.
Formulas shown on this page · Last reviewed October 2026
Paver formulas
pavers = patio area ÷ (paver width × length ÷ 144) × (1 + waste)
gravel yd³ = area × base depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 → tons = yd³ × 1.4
sand cu ft = area × bedding depth (in) ÷ 12
Polymeric sand is estimated at about one 50 lb bag per 50 sq ft, which suits narrow joints. Wider joints or small pavers such as 4×8 in need more, so treat this figure as approximate and check the coverage printed on the bag.
Pavers per square foot
| Paver size | Area each | Pavers per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 4 × 8 in | 0.222 sq ft | 4.5 |
| 6 × 6 in | 0.25 sq ft | 4 |
| 6 × 9 in | 0.375 sq ft | 2.67 |
| 12 × 12 in | 1 sq ft | 1 |
| 16 × 16 in | 1.78 sq ft | 0.56 |
Practical tips
- Excavate about 7–8 in for a typical patio: 4 in of base, 1 in of sand and the thickness of the paver (around 2.4 in for common concrete units).
- Compact the gravel in 2 in lifts with a plate compactor and slope the surface about 1/8 in per foot away from the house.
- Install edge restraints before laying the final rows, otherwise pavers will creep apart over time.
- Order 1–2 spare pavers from the same pallet so any future repair matches in color.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need for a 12x12 patio?
A 12×12 ft patio is 144 sq ft. With 6×9 in pavers (0.375 sq ft each) that is 384 pavers, or 404 after 5% waste for a straight pattern.
How deep should the gravel base be for pavers?
Use 4 in of compacted gravel for patios and walkways, and 6–8 in for driveways or soft soil. Over 100 sq ft, a 4 in base needs 1.24 cubic yards, or about 1.7 tons.
How much sand goes under pavers?
Spread 1 in of coarse bedding sand. Over 144 sq ft that is 12 cu ft, or 24 bags of 0.5 cu ft. Never use fine sand or stone dust as the bedding layer.
How much waste should I add for pavers?
Add about 5% for a straight layout, 8% for running bond and 10–15% for herringbone or diagonal patterns, where more edge cuts are needed.