Paver calculator
Enter the patio size and paver size. You’ll get the paver count plus the gravel base and sand bedding underneath.
Pavers needed
681 pavers
- Base gravel
- 1.78 cubic yards (about 2.5 tons)
- Bedding sand
- 0.44 cubic yards
- Patio area
- 144 sq ft
- Pavers per sq ft
- 4.5
How it works
Paver count is the patio area divided by the area of one paver, plus your allowance for cuts. Base gravel and bedding sand are area × depth, converted to cubic yards. Tonnage assumes 1.4 tons per cubic yard, a typical figure for crushed base.
The calculator uses each paver’s face size. The narrow joints between pavers are filled with sand, so they don’t meaningfully change the count.
Example
With patio length 12 ft, patio width 12 ft, paver width 4 in, paver length 8 in, extra for cuts 5%, gravel base depth 4 in, sand bedding depth 1 in, the answer is 681 pavers.
Tips before you buy
- Patios and walkways usually get 4–6 inches of compacted gravel base. Driveways need considerably more.
- Compact the base in 2-inch lifts with a plate compactor. A soft base is the main reason pavers sink.
- Use 5% extra for a straight running pattern and 10–15% for herringbone, diagonal layouts or lots of curves.
- Slope the patio away from the house, about 1/4 inch per foot, so water drains off.
Common questions
How many 4×8 pavers are in a square foot?
4.5. Each 4 × 8 inch paver covers 32 square inches, and a square foot is 144 square inches.
How deep should the paver base be?
4–6 inches of compacted gravel is common for patios and walkways, topped with about 1 inch of bedding sand. Clay soils and driveways need more.
How much extra should I buy?
Plan on 5–10%. Keep a few spares after the job for future repairs, since colors change between production runs.