Paver Calculator
Enter your patio or walkway size and the paver size you're using. You'll get the paver count (with 7% for cuts and breakage) plus how much base gravel and bedding sand to order.
Results
How the paver calculator works
The calculator divides your patio area by the face area of one paver, then adds 7% — the standard allowance for edge cuts and breakage. It also sizes the two layers every paver patio needs: a 4-inch compacted gravel base and 1 inch of bedding sand.
Formula: (Patio sq ft ÷ paver sq ft) × 1.07 = pavers to buy
| Paver size | Per 100 sq ft |
|---|---|
| 4" × 8" | 482 |
| 6" × 6" | 428 |
| 6" × 9" | 286 |
| 12" × 12" | 107 |
| 16" × 16" | 61 |
| 24" × 24" | 27 |
Tips for a patio that stays flat
- Excavate deep enough for the full stack: 4" gravel + 1" sand + paver thickness, so the surface lands at grade.
- Compact the gravel base in 2" layers with a plate compactor — this is the single biggest factor in whether pavers stay level.
- Screed the bedding sand with a straight board over pipe rails; don't compact the sand before laying.
- Herringbone patterns need ~10% waste instead of 7% due to extra edge cuts.
Frequently asked questions
How many 4x8 pavers do I need per square foot?
A 4" × 8" paver covers 0.22 square feet, so you need 4.5 pavers per square foot — about 482 pavers per 100 sq ft including 7% waste.
How much base do I need under pavers?
The standard build-up is 4 inches of compacted gravel (crusher run or ¾" minus) topped with 1 inch of bedding sand. Driveways need 6–10 inches of base.
How much waste should I add when ordering pavers?
Add 5–10%. Simple running-bond layouts on square patios need about 5%; herringbone or circular patterns with many cuts need 10%.
Can I lay pavers directly on dirt?
It's not recommended. Without a compacted gravel base, pavers heave with frost and settle unevenly within a season or two. The base is 80% of the job for a reason.