Paver Calculator

Calculate how many pavers you need for patios, walkways, driveways, and other hardscape projects. Includes base material estimates and cost calculations.

Project Dimensions

Paver Size

Layout Pattern

Base Materials

Cost Estimates

Quick Facts

4x8 Brick Paver
~4.5 per sq ft
Most common paver
12x12 Patio Stone
~1 per sq ft
Easy to calculate
Base Gravel
~0.012 cu yd / sq ft
For 4" depth
Polymeric Sand
~50-80 sq ft / bag
50 lb bag coverage

Your Paver Estimate

Calculated
Total Pavers
0
Including waste
Project Area
0 sq ft
-
Estimated Cost
$0
Materials only

Materials Breakdown

Base Materials

Cost Estimate

Tip Always order 10-15% extra pavers for cuts, breakage, and future repairs. Pavers from different lots may have slight color variations.
Pro Tip Compact your gravel base in 2" lifts for maximum stability. A well-compacted base prevents settling and shifting.

Understanding Paver Calculations

Calculating pavers for your hardscape project requires knowing your area dimensions, paver size, and the laying pattern. Different patterns create different waste amounts due to cuts required at edges and transitions.

Common Paver Sizes and Coverage

Paver Size Area per Paver Pavers per Sq Ft
4" x 8" (Brick) 32 sq in 4.5
6" x 6" 36 sq in 4.0
6" x 9" 54 sq in 2.67
8" x 8" 64 sq in 2.25
12" x 12" 144 sq in 1.0
16" x 16" 256 sq in 0.56
18" x 18" 324 sq in 0.44
24" x 24" 576 sq in 0.25

Laying Patterns and Waste Factors

  • Running Bond: Offset by half, 5% waste. Most popular pattern for walkways and patios.
  • Herringbone (45-degree): Classic interlocking, 10% waste. Best for driveways and high-traffic areas.
  • Herringbone (90-degree): Perpendicular pattern, 8% waste. Creates a basket-like appearance.
  • Basket Weave: Pairs alternate direction, 7% waste. Traditional look, moderate complexity.
  • Stack Bond: Aligned grid pattern, 3% waste. Modern look, least cuts required.

Base Material Requirements

Application Gravel Base Sand Bed
Patio (Light Use) 4" compacted 1" leveling
Walkway 4" compacted 1" leveling
Driveway 6-8" compacted 1" leveling
Heavy Vehicle Traffic 10-12" compacted 1" leveling

Installation Tips

  • Excavate 7-9" below finished grade for standard patio installation
  • Use geotextile fabric between soil and gravel to prevent mixing
  • Compact gravel in 2" lifts with a plate compactor
  • Screed sand to exactly 1" using pipes or rails as guides
  • Install edge restraints before laying pavers
  • Use polymeric sand for joints to prevent weeds and ant hills
  • Allow 1/4" per foot slope away from structures for drainage

Material Cost Estimates

Pavers: $0.30-$3.00 per piece depending on material and style. Gravel: $20-$35 per cubic yard. Leveling Sand: $25-$40 per cubic yard. Polymeric Sand: $20-$30 per 50 lb bag.