Paver Calculator
Find out exactly how many pavers your patio, walkway, or driveway needs — plus the gravel base and bedding sand underneath. Runs 100% in your browser.
Paver Calculator
About this paver calculator
A paver project has three material lines, not one: the pavers themselves, the compacted gravel base (typically 4 inches for patios, 6 for driveways), and the bedding sand (1 inch, screeded level). This calculator does all three from your project dimensions and paver size — pavers rounded up, base and sand in cubic yards for ordering.
The paver count is project area divided by one paver's face area, plus waste. Standard 4×8 inch pavers cover 0.222 square feet each, so a 12×12 ft patio needs 648 before waste — most people are surprised how fast the number climbs. Order 10% extra for a rectangular patio in running bond; bump to 15% for curves, circles, or diagonal/herringbone patterns where cuts multiply.
Do not skip the base math. A 4-inch gravel base under a 144 sq ft patio is nearly 1.8 cubic yards — the layer that keeps your patio from heaving and settling. Compact it in lifts, screed the sand bed level, and use edge restraint so the pavers cannot drift outward.
How to use
- Measure your project length and width in feet.
- Enter your paver length and width in inches (face size, not pallet dimensions).
- Choose a waste allowance — 10% for rectangles, 15% for curves or diagonal patterns.
- Optionally enter the price per paver for a cost estimate, then press Calculate.
Good to know
- Assumes a rectangular project area — measure irregular shapes in rectangles and add them up, or add extra waste.
- Base depth default is 4 inches (patios/walkways); driveways need 6+ inches of compacted base.
- Pallets are estimated by coverage — about 100 sq ft of pavers per pallet — so the count stays sensible for large-format pavers; confirm coverage with your supplier.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need for a 12x12 patio?
A 12×12 ft patio is 144 sq ft. With standard 4×8 in pavers (0.222 sq ft each) that is 648 pavers exact — order 713 with a 10% waste allowance. Enter your exact dimensions above for your project.
How many pavers per square foot?
Divide 144 by the paver's face area in square inches: 4.5 per sq ft for standard 4×8 in pavers, 1 per sq ft for 12×12 in pavers, 0.25 per sq ft for 24×24 in pavers.
How much base gravel do I need under pavers?
Plan on 4 inches of compacted gravel for patios and walkways (6+ inches for driveways), plus 1 inch of bedding sand. A 144 sq ft patio needs about 1.78 cubic yards of gravel and 0.44 cubic yards of sand.
What is the waste factor for pavers?
10% for rectangular patios in running bond; 15% for curves, circles, or diagonal and herringbone patterns. Never order exact — cuts and breakage always eat some.
Do I need to seal pavers?
Sealer is optional but extends color life, resists stains, and stabilizes joint sand. Wait until the patio is fully dry, and use a breathable paver sealer, not a film-forming type.