How the paver count works
The calculator finds your patio's area in square feet and divides it by the face area of one paver. Then it adds a little extra for cuts along the edges and the odd broken piece. Joint spacing between pavers is very small, so it's left out.
Example: a 12 × 12 patio with 6 × 8 inch pavers
- Area: 144 sq ft
- One paver: 6 × 8 = 48 sq in, so 3 pavers per sq ft
- 144 × 3 = 432 pavers
- Add 5% for cuts: 454 pavers
Base and sand
Pavers last only as long as the base under them. For a patio, a compacted gravel base of about 4 to 6 inches is the usual recommendation, with more in poorly draining soil. On top of that goes a 1-inch layer of bedding sand, screeded flat, and the pavers sit on the sand.
- Compact the gravel in 2 to 3 inch layers with a plate compactor.
- Slope the patio about 1/4 inch per foot away from the house so water drains.
- Use edge restraints, or the pavers will slowly creep apart.
- Sweep polymeric or joint sand into the gaps when you're done.
Need a different base material? Use the gravel calculator for crushed stone in tons.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need for a 10x10 patio?
With 6 by 8 inch pavers, about 300 before waste, or 315 with 5 percent extra. Larger pavers need fewer.
How deep should the base be for pavers?
For a patio with foot traffic, about 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel plus 1 inch of bedding sand. Driveways and poorly draining soil need more.
How much sand do I need under pavers?
A 1-inch bedding layer. For 100 square feet that's about 8.3 cubic feet, or 0.31 cubic yards.
Should I add extra pavers?
Yes. Add 5 percent for straight layouts and 10 percent for curves, circles and herringbone patterns.
Sources
Results are estimates for planning. Product coverage, site conditions and installation methods vary, so check manufacturer guidance before you buy.