Enter your patio, walkway or path dimensions and paver size. Get the paver count plus the gravel base and bedding sand you'll need underneath.
A paver project needs three materials: the pavers, a compacted gravel base, and a thin layer of bedding sand. This calculator figures all three from the same measurements, so you can place one order instead of three.
Start with the area in square feet. For a rectangle, multiply length by width. For an L-shape or a curved patio, split it into rectangles, calculate each one, and add them together. Then divide the total area by the face area of one paver and add a waste allowance for cuts and breakage.
Pavers = (Length × Width × Waste Factor) ÷ Paver Area (sq ft)(192 × 1.10) ÷ 0.375 = 564 pavers
Paver sizes are nominal. Joint spacers and manufacturer tolerances mean actual counts can differ slightly, so check the coverage printed on the pallet tag before you order.
| Paver Size | Area Each | Pavers per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| 4″ × 8″ (brick) | 0.22 sq ft | 4.5 |
| 6″ × 6″ | 0.25 sq ft | 4 |
| 6″ × 9″ | 0.375 sq ft | 2.67 |
| 12″ × 12″ | 1 sq ft | 1 |
| 16″ × 16″ | 1.78 sq ft | 0.56 |
| 12″ × 24″ | 2 sq ft | 0.5 |
The base does the structural work, and it's the layer most DIY projects skimp on. Use a crushed, angular aggregate that compacts tightly, often sold as paver base, road base or ¾″ minus. Rounded pea gravel won't lock together. Compact the base in lifts of about 2 inches with a plate compactor.
| Project | Compacted Base Depth |
|---|---|
| Garden path / walkway | 4 inches |
| Patio (foot traffic) | 4–6 inches |
| Patio on clay or in freeze-thaw areas | 6–8 inches |
| Driveway (vehicles) | 8–12 inches |
Extend the base 6 to 12 inches beyond the edge of the pavers on every side so the edge restraint sits on solid ground. For larger patios, add that border to your length and width before calculating base material.
On top of the compacted base goes a 1-inch screeded layer of coarse concrete sand. Don't use play sand, which is too fine and holds water. After the pavers are laid, sweep polymeric joint sand into the gaps. Bag coverage varies a lot with joint width and paver thickness, so use the coverage chart on the bag.
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Concrete pavers (material) | $3–$8 per sq ft |
| Natural stone / clay pavers | $6–$20 per sq ft |
| Paver base (bulk) | $30–$60 per ton |
| Bedding sand (bulk) | $25–$55 per ton |
| Professionally installed patio | $15–$35 per sq ft |
Prices vary by region and delivery distance. Bulk aggregate usually carries a delivery fee, so it pays to order base and sand from the same yard on the same truck.