What paver size is best for a patio?

4 by 8 inch brick pavers and 12 by 12 inch concrete pavers are popular. Larger formats cover area faster; smaller units suit curves and tight patterns.

How much extra paver should I order?

Add 10 percent waste for straight layouts and 12 to 15 percent for curves, borders, and diagonal patterns.

Paver Calculator | Estimate Patio Pavers, Base & Sand

Q: How many pavers do I need for a patio?

Multiply patio length by width for area, divide by each paver face area, or use a grid count with joint spacing. Add 10 percent waste for cuts and breakage on most patios.

Q: How much base gravel for pavers?

Most patios use 4 inches of compacted crushed stone base; driveways often use 6 inches. Order cubic yards from area times depth divided by 27, plus about 5 percent for compaction.

Q: How much sand under pavers?

A 1 inch bedding sand layer is common after the gravel base is compacted. Calculate volume the same way as gravel, then screed before laying pavers.

Paver Project Examples

Tap to load into this patio paver calculator.

Backyard Patio

12 ft × 16 ft · 4×8 in pavers · 4 in base.

Pavers: ~720

Front Walkway

4 ft × 40 ft · brick pavers.

Pavers: ~2,400

Driveway Paver Pad

20 ft × 20 ft · 12×12 in · 6 in base.

Pavers: ~440

Pool Deck

18 ft × 18 ft · 12×12 in · 12% waste.

Pavers: ~320

How to Calculate Pavers for a Patio

Pavers = Area ÷ Paver Area Add joint spacing to layout pitch · then waste% · base & sand = area × depth ÷ 27

Measure the patio length and width of the paved area.
Enter paver length and width (face size, not pallet dimensions).
Add joint spacing (often 1/8 in) for layout pitch.
Count pavers on a grid or divide area — use the higher number.
Add 10% waste (more for curves).
Order base gravel (typically 4–6 in) and 1 in bedding sand.

For tons and delivery cost on base stone, use the gravel calculator and sand calculator. For indoor tile, see the tile calculator.

Paver Calculator FAQ

How many pavers do I need for a patio?

Divide your patio square footage by each paver’s square footage, or use a row-and-column count with joint spacing. This tool uses both methods and adds your waste percentage automatically.

How much base gravel for pavers?

Most patios need 4 inches of compacted crushed stone; driveways often use 6 inches. The calculator shows cubic yards with about 5% extra for compaction.

How much sand under pavers?

After compacting gravel, screed about 1 inch of coarse bedding sand. Joint sand between pavers is ordered separately.

How much extra paver should I buy?

Order 10% extra for straight runs and 12–15% for curves, soldier courses, or diagonal patterns.

Paver Calculator

Paver Layout

Backyard Patio

Front Walkway

Driveway Paver Pad

Pool Deck

How to Calculate Pavers for a Patio

Paver Calculator FAQ

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Sand Calculator

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