How to use the paver calculator
- Measure the length and width of the patio or path in feet. For an odd shape, work out the square footage with the square footage calculator and use "I know the sq ft".
- Enter the paver's face size in inches. The standard brick paver is 4 × 8 in.
- Pick the waste allowance. Herringbone patterns and curved edges mean more cut pavers.
- Choose the use. Driveways carry cars and need a deeper gravel base than a patio.
Paver formulas
pavers = area (sq ft) × 144 ÷ (paver width × paver length)
base gravel (cu yd) = area × base depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 × 1.15
bedding sand (cu ft) = area × sand depth (in) ÷ 12
The base figure includes 15% extra because crushed stone compacts when you run a plate compactor over it. Tons use about 1.4 tons per cubic yard of crushed stone. Bags of sand assume 0.5 cu ft per 50 lb bag.
Materials for common patio sizes
| Area | Paver | Pavers (10% waste) | Base gravel, 4 in (tons) | Sand, 1 in (50 lb bags) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 4 × 8 in | 495 | 2.0 | 17 |
| 144 sq ft | 4 × 8 in | 713 | 2.9 | 24 |
| 200 sq ft | 6 × 9 in | 587 | 4.0 | 34 |
| 200 sq ft | 12 × 12 in | 220 | 4.0 | 34 |
| 300 sq ft | 6 × 9 in | 880 | 6.0 | 50 |
| 400 sq ft | 12 × 24 in | 220 | 8.0 | 67 |
What goes under pavers
- Excavation: dig out the base depth + 1 in of sand + the paver thickness (usually 2 3/8 in), and slope the area about 1/4 in per foot away from the house.
- Base: crushed stone with fines (often sold as paver base, crusher run or road base), laid and compacted in 2 in layers.
- Bedding sand: a 1 in layer of coarse concrete sand, screeded flat. Don't compact it before laying.
- Joint sand: after laying, sweep polymeric sand into the joints. Coverage depends on joint width, so check the bag.
- Edge restraint: plastic or aluminum edging around the outside. You need one foot of edging per foot of perimeter on unsupported sides.
Quick answers for common sizes
- 10 × 10 ft patio
- 10 × 12 ft patio
- 12 × 12 ft patio
- 12 × 16 ft patio
- 12 × 20 ft patio
- 16 × 16 ft patio
- 20 × 20 ft patio
Frequently asked questions
How many 4x8 pavers are in a square foot?
Exactly 4.5 pavers per square foot (144 ÷ 32), so 100 sq ft takes 450 pavers before waste, or 495 with 10% extra.
How much base do I need for pavers?
For a patio or walkway, 4 inches of compacted crushed stone is typical, or 6 inches on clay or poorly draining soil. Driveways usually get 8 inches or more.
How much sand do I need for pavers?
A 1 inch bedding layer takes 1/12 cu ft per square foot, so about 8.3 cu ft (roughly 17 bags of 50 lb) per 100 sq ft. Joint sand is extra.
How many extra pavers should I buy?
Buy 5–10% extra for straight patterns and 15% for herringbone, circles or lots of curves. Keep the leftovers for future repairs.