How to use the paver calculator
- Add each area to pave as a length and width in feet. Use Subtract for planters or other cutouts.
- Enter the paver length and width in inches and the joint width between pavers.
- Set the base depth and bedding sand depth in inches, and keep or change the 10% waste allowance.
- Read the pavers to buy and the cubic yards of gravel base and sand. Add prices for a materials estimate.
Formula
Effective paver size = (paver length + joint) x (paver width + joint)
Pavers = area x 144 / effective paver size, then x (1 + waste), rounded up
Base cubic yards = area x base depth in inches / 12 / 27
Sand cubic yards = area x sand depth in inches / 12 / 27
The 144 turns square feet into square inches. Dividing depth by 12 converts inches to feet, and dividing by 27 converts cubic feet to cubic yards.
Worked example: a 10 ft by 12 ft patio of 6 by 9 inch pavers
The area is 120 sq ft. With a 1/8 inch joint each paver occupies 6.125 x 9.125 = 55.89 sq in, so 120 x 144 / 55.89 = 309.18 pavers.
With a 10% waste allowance that is 340.09, so you buy 341 pavers.
A 4 inch base is 120 x (4 / 12) / 27 = 1.481 cubic yards, or 1.63 with a 10% margin. A 1 inch sand layer is 120 x (1 / 12) / 27 = 0.370 cubic yards, or 0.407 with the margin.
At $1.25 per paver, $45 per cubic yard of base and $40 per cubic yard of sand, the materials come to about $515.88.
Base, sand and why depth is an input
A paved surface sits on compacted gravel and a thin layer of bedding sand. The right base depth depends on the soil, climate, drainage and whether the surface carries foot traffic or vehicles, so this tool does not pick it for you. Enter the depth from your plan or the paver manufacturer. The bedding sand layer is usually much thinner than the base.
Loose gravel compacts when it is tamped, so you may need more loose material than the compacted volume. That is one reason the allowance applies to base and sand too. Your supplier can advise how much to order.
Joints and paver counts
Joint width changes the count slightly, since each paver is counted with its share of the joint. Interlocking pavers and tumbled stone may have irregular edges, so use the average size on the label. If the pavers come on pallets by square foot, use the tile calculator or the flooring calculator idea of buying by area, and divide by the coverage on the pallet.
Other materials
Edge restraints, geotextile fabric, polymeric sand for the joints and the compaction equipment are separate items. For larger gravel quantities in tons, the mulch and gravel calculator shows approximate weight as well as volume.
Assumptions and limits
- Base depth (4 in) and bedding sand depth (1 in) are editable assumptions, not recommendations for your project.
- Pavers form a plain grid with the joint you enter. Patterns that need many cuts, such as herringbone with curved borders, need a higher waste allowance.
- The same waste allowance is applied to base and sand as a margin, which you can set to 0.
- Volumes are for the finished compacted layers. Compaction loss, slope and uneven subgrade are not modeled.
- Edge restraints, fabric, jointing sand and excavation are not included. Confirm details with your supplier and local requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need per square foot?
Divide 144 by the paver area in square inches plus the joint. A 6 by 9 inch paver with a 1/8 inch joint takes about 2.58 pavers per square foot before waste.
How deep should the gravel base be?
It depends on soil, climate and use, so follow your plan or the paver manufacturer. The calculator starts at 4 inches as an editable assumption, not as a requirement.
How thick is the bedding sand layer?
It is usually a thin layer compared with the base. The tool starts at 1 inch, and you can edit the depth to match your instructions.
Should I add extra pavers for cuts?
Most projects do, and the allowance depends on the shape of the area and the pattern. The tool starts at 10 percent and lets you set any value.
Does this work for a driveway?
The math works for any area, but a driveway often needs a deeper and more carefully designed base. Use the base depth your plan specifies and check with a professional.