Paver Calculator — How Many Pavers Do I Need?
Calculate how many pavers you need for patios, walkways, and driveways. Enter your project area and paver size to get the paver count (with 10% waste), sand base, gravel base, and installed cost estimates.
Paver Calculator
Paver Sizes and Coverage
| Paver Size (in / cm) | Area Each | Pavers per Sq Ft (m²) |
|---|---|---|
| 4″ × 8″ (10 × 20 cm, standard brick) | 0.222 sq ft (0.020 m²) | 4.5/sq ft (48/m²) |
| 6″ × 6″ (15 × 15 cm) | 0.25 sq ft (0.023 m²) | 4.0/sq ft (43/m²) |
| 6″ × 9″ (15 × 23 cm) | 0.375 sq ft (0.035 m²) | 2.7/sq ft (29/m²) |
| 12″ × 12″ (30 × 30 cm) | 1.0 sq ft (0.093 m²) | 1.0/sq ft (11/m²) |
| 16″ × 16″ (40 × 40 cm) | 1.778 sq ft (0.165 m²) | 0.56/sq ft (6/m²) |
Paver Base Requirements
- Excavate 7–9 in (18–23 cm) below the desired final height.
- Layer 1: 4–6″ (10–15 cm) compacted gravel (crusher run).
- Layer 2: 1″ (2.5 cm) leveling sand.
- Layer 3: pavers laid in your chosen pattern.
- Edge restraint required on all sides to prevent shifting.
How to Calculate and Install Pavers
- Measure the area in feet: length and width for your patio, walkway, or driveway.
- Choose your paver size and calculate the count: area ÷ paver area, then add 10% for waste.
- Excavate 6–8 inches below the desired finish grade to accommodate base layers.
- Install gravel base (4–6″): compact in 2″ lifts with a plate compactor.
- Spread leveling sand (1″): screed smooth using pipes or rails as guides.
- Lay pavers in your chosen pattern, then sweep polymeric sand into joints and compact.
Paver Cost Guide
| Paver Type | Material (per sq ft) | Installed (per sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (concrete pavers) | $3–$6 ($32–$65/m²) | $8–$15 ($85–$160/m²) |
| Mid-range (interlocking) | $6–$12 ($65–$130/m²) | $14–$22 ($150–$235/m²) |
| Premium (natural stone) | $15–$30 ($160–$325/m²) | $25–$45 ($270–$485/m²) |
Installation labor typically adds $8–$15 per sq ft on top of material costs, depending on complexity and pattern choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pavers do I need?
Area (sq ft) ÷ paver area (sq ft) + 10% waste. Example: 200 sq ft patio with 4 × 8″ pavers = 200 × 4.5 × 1.10 = 990 pavers.
How much base material do I need for pavers?
4–6 inches of gravel + 1 inch of sand. Use our Gravel Calculator and Sand Calculator for exact amounts based on your project area.
What is the best paver pattern for a driveway?
Herringbone (45° or 90°) — distributes load best and resists shifting under vehicle weight. Running bond is simpler but better suited for walkways.
Do I need to seal pavers?
Optional but recommended. Sealing enhances color, prevents stains, and stabilizes joint sand. Reseal every 2–3 years. Use a breathable paver sealer, not a film-forming type.
Related Calculators
Calculate base materials:
- Sand Calculator — for paver leveling sand
- Gravel Calculator — for paver gravel base
- Concrete Calculator — for concrete pads and footings
- Tile Calculator — indoor tile alternative
- Fence Calculator — planning a fence around your patio?
- Decking Calculator — raised deck instead of pavers?
- Area Unit Converter — convert between square feet, square meters, acres, hectares
- Sales Tax Calculator — add sales tax to your paver cost estimate
- All Construction Calculators
Paver counts include 10% waste for cuts and breakage. Sand base assumes 1 inch depth; gravel base assumes 4 inches. Prices are 2025 US national averages and will vary by region, paver type, and installer.
