Paver Calculator
Plan your patio or walkway: enter the area and your paver size to get the number of pavers to buy (including a waste margin), plus how much gravel base and bedding sand the project needs.
You need approximately
| Base material | Amount |
|---|---|
| Compacted gravel base | |
| Bedding sand (1 in layer) |
How this paver calculator works
Paver count = patio area ÷ area of one paver, increased by your waste margin and rounded up. Base volumes multiply the patio area by the base depth (compacted aggregate) and a 1-inch bedding sand layer, following common ICPI guidance for pedestrian applications.
Need the gravel weight for the base? Take the cubic yards from the results and run them through the gravel calculator to convert to tons.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need for a 10×10 patio?
A 100 sq ft patio needs about 450 of the common 4"×8" pavers, or 100 of the 12"×12" size, before waste. With the recommended 10% waste margin, plan on roughly 495 and 110 respectively.
How much base do I need under pavers?
Industry guidance for pedestrian patios and walkways is a 4–6 inch compacted aggregate base topped with about 1 inch of bedding sand. Driveways need a substantially thicker base — often 8–12 inches.
Why add a waste percentage for pavers?
Edge cuts, breakage, and pattern layouts all consume extra pavers. 5% is a minimum for simple grid layouts; 10–15% is safer for diagonal or herringbone patterns and irregular shapes.
What is the most common paver size?
The 4"×8" rectangular paver (often called a Holland stone) is the classic choice, with 4.5 pavers per square foot. Large-format 12"×12" and 16"×16" slabs cover ground faster with fewer joints.
Formulas last reviewed on 2026-07-02. This tool provides planning estimates only. Paver dimensions are nominal — check the actual unit size and coverage chart from your paver manufacturer, and confirm base requirements for your soil and climate.