How to use the paver calculator
- Enter the length and width of the area. For an irregular shape, use the square footage calculator first and enter an equivalent rectangle.
- Enter the paver size. A common brick-shaped paver is 4 × 8 in (about 10 × 20 cm).
- Choose the waste allowance: about 5% for straight or running-bond layouts, and 10–15% for herringbone, diagonal or curved designs.
- Enter the compacted depth of the gravel base and the depth of the sand bed.
The formulas
Pavers = area ÷ (paver length × paver width) × (1 + waste %) Base volume = area × base depth Sand volume = area × sand depth Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27Typical base depths
| Use | Compacted gravel base | Bedding sand |
|---|---|---|
| Patios and walkways | 4–6 in (10–15 cm) | about 1 in (2.5–3 cm) |
| Residential driveways | 8–12 in (20–30 cm) | about 1 in (2.5–3 cm) |
These are common guidelines. Use deeper bases on clay soils and in areas with hard frosts, and follow the paver manufacturer's installation guide.
Worked example
A 12 × 10 ft patio with 4 × 8 in pavers, a 4 in base and 1 in of sand:
- Area: 120 sq ft. Each paver covers 32 sq in, so there are 4.5 pavers per sq ft and 540 pavers. With 5% waste: 567 pavers.
- Base: 120 × 4 ÷ 12 = 40 cu ft = 1.48 yd³, about 2.1 tons of gravel.
- Sand: 120 × 1 ÷ 12 = 10 cu ft = 0.37 yd³, about 0.5 tons.
Tips
- Compact the base in layers of about 2 in with a plate compactor.
- Give the patio a slight slope away from buildings so water drains, often about ¼ in per foot.
- Use the gravel and sand calculator to check bag counts for small jobs.
Frequently asked questions
How many 4 × 8 pavers are in a square foot?
A 4 × 8 in paver covers 32 square inches, so there are 144 ÷ 32 = 4.5 pavers per square foot before waste.
How deep should the gravel base be for pavers?
Patios and walkways commonly use 4–6 in of compacted gravel, and driveways 8–12 in. Clay soils and cold climates need the deeper end of the range.
How much sand do I need under pavers?
About 1 in of bedding sand. For 100 sq ft that is about 8.3 cu ft, or roughly 0.3 cubic yards.
How much extra should I order for herringbone pavers?
Herringbone and diagonal patterns need more cuts, so 10–15% extra is common, compared with about 5% for straight layouts.