A paver calculator estimates the exact number of pavers plus all base materials needed for a patio, walkway, or driveway project. It accounts for paver dimensions, laying pattern waste factors, bedding sand, compacted gravel base, polymeric joint sand, and edge restraint — so you can order everything in one trip and avoid costly return visits to the supply yard.
Paver Estimator
Area Shape
Project Dimensions (feet)
Custom Paver Dimensions (inches)
Laying Pattern
Cost & Joint Options
Material Summary
Paver Size Reference: Pavers per Square Foot
| Paver Size | Area per Paver | Pavers per Sq Ft | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 8" | 0.22 sq ft | 4.5 | Walkways, borders |
| 6 × 6" | 0.25 sq ft | 4.0 | Patios, accents |
| 6 × 9" | 0.375 sq ft | 2.67 | Patios, driveways |
| 6 × 12" | 0.50 sq ft | 2.0 | Walkways, patios |
| 12 × 12" | 1.0 sq ft | 1.0 | Large patios, pool decks |
| 16 × 16" | 1.78 sq ft | 0.56 | Large patios, stepping stones |
Counts do not include waste. Actual count per square foot varies slightly by joint width.
How to Use the Paver Calculator
Planning a paver patio or walkway without accurate material estimates leads to wasted money, extra delivery charges, and frustrating project delays. Ordering too few pavers means mismatched dye lots when you go back for more. Ordering too many leaves you with stacks of expensive stone you cannot return. This paver calculator gives you an exact count of pavers plus all the supporting materials — bedding sand, gravel base, polymeric joint sand, and edge restraint — so you can order everything in one trip and start laying with confidence.
Step 1: Enter Your Project Area
Choose between a simple rectangle or an L-shape for more complex areas like a patio that wraps around a corner. Enter the length and width in feet. For irregular shapes beyond an L, calculate each rectangular section separately and add the paver counts together. Measure your actual site carefully — even a one-foot error on a 12-foot patio changes the paver count by 10 percent or more.
Step 2: Select Your Paver Size
Pick from six standard paver sizes or enter custom dimensions. The 4x8 inch brick paver is the most versatile and works well with all laying patterns. Larger pavers like 12x12 or 16x16 cover ground faster but weigh more and are harder to cut. The paver calculator automatically converts your selection into pavers per square foot and multiplies by your area.
Step 3: Choose a Laying Pattern
Each pattern has a different waste factor because of how pavers meet the edges of your installation. Stacked bond (grid pattern) is the most efficient at just 5% waste. Running bond (offset rows, like a brick wall) and basketweave add 10% waste. Herringbone — the strongest interlocking pattern, ideal for driveways — requires 15% extra because every edge paver must be cut at a 45-degree angle.
Step 4: Review Base Material Estimates
The calculator automatically estimates three base materials. Bedding sand at 1 inch depth provides the leveling layer directly under the pavers — roughly 1 ton per 100 square feet. Gravel base at 4 inches provides drainage and structural support — approximately 1.5 tons per 100 square feet. Polymeric sand fills the joints between pavers and hardens when wet to resist weeds and insect intrusion. The coverage depends on your joint width setting.
Step 5: Get Your Cost Estimate
Optionally enter the price per paver or per square foot to see the total paver material cost. Prices vary widely — standard concrete pavers run $0.50 to $1.50 each while natural stone or porcelain pavers can cost $3 to $8 per piece. The cost shown covers pavers only. Budget separately for base materials (typically $100 to $300 depending on area size), edge restraint, and any delivery fees from your landscape supplier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this paver calculator free to use?
Yes, this paver calculator is completely free with no signup, no paywalls, and no usage limits. All calculations run entirely in your browser — your project dimensions and measurements are never sent to any server.
Is my data private when using this tool?
Absolutely. Every calculation runs locally in your browser using client-side JavaScript. No project dimensions, paver selections, or personal information are ever transmitted to a server. Your data stays entirely on your device.
How many pavers do I need for a 10x10 patio?
It depends on the paver size and pattern. For example, with standard 6x9 inch pavers in a running bond pattern, a 10x10 foot patio (100 sq ft) needs approximately 278 pavers including 10% waste. Enter your exact dimensions and paver size in the calculator above for a precise estimate.
How much sand goes under pavers?
You need a 1-inch layer of bedding sand under pavers, which works out to roughly 1 ton per 100 square feet. This sand provides a smooth, level surface for the pavers to sit on. The calculator automatically estimates bedding sand based on your project area.
How deep should the gravel base be for pavers?
A standard paver base is 4 inches of compacted gravel for patios and walkways. Driveways may need 6 to 8 inches. The calculator uses a 4-inch base depth by default, which provides adequate drainage and a stable foundation for most residential projects.
What is polymeric sand and how much do I need?
Polymeric sand is a jointing sand that hardens when activated with water, locking pavers together and preventing weed growth. One 50-pound bag typically covers 25 to 50 square feet depending on joint width and paver size. The calculator estimates bags based on your area and joint width.
Why does the herringbone pattern need more pavers?
Herringbone patterns require more cutting at the edges of the installation area because pavers meet the border at 45-degree angles. This creates more waste from cut pieces. The calculator adds 15% waste for herringbone compared to 5% for stacked bond, which accounts for the extra material needed.
Do I need edge restraint for a paver patio?
Yes, edge restraint is essential to keep pavers from shifting outward over time. You need edge restraint along the entire perimeter of your paver installation. The calculator provides the total perimeter in linear feet so you know exactly how much edging material to purchase.