How Many Pavers Do I Need?
Calculate the number of pavers, sand, and gravel needed for your patio, walkway, or driveway.
Quick Answer
For standard 4×8" pavers, you need about 4.5 pavers per square foot. A 10×10 ft patio takes roughly 450 pavers (500 with 10% waste), plus ~0.31 yd³ of sand and ~1.23 yd³ of gravel base.
Area Dimensions
Paver Size
Enter your area and paver size to see results.
💡 Always order 10% extra pavers to account for cuts, breakage, and future repairs.
How to Calculate Pavers Needed
Formula
Area (ft²) ÷ Paver Area (ft²) = Number of Pavers
Calculate the total area in square feet (length × width). Calculate each paver's coverage including the joint gap. Divide the total area by the individual paver area to get the count. Add 10% for cuts and waste.
Example
For a 10 ft × 12 ft patio using 4" × 8" pavers with ¼" joints: Area = 120 sq ft. Each paver covers (4.25 × 8.25) ÷ 144 = 0.243 sq ft. You need 120 ÷ 0.243 = 494 pavers, plus 10% waste = 544 pavers.
Tips & Best Practices
- •Install a compacted aggregate base (about 4–6 inches for pedestrian patios on suitable soil) under about 1 inch of leveling sand.
- •Use polymeric sand to fill joints — it locks pavers in place and resists weeds.
- •Slope pavers 1/8 inch per foot away from structures for drainage.
- •Edge restraints are essential — without them, pavers will shift over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pavers do I need per square foot?+
It depends on paver size. Standard 4×8" pavers: about 4.5 per sq ft. 6×6" pavers: about 4 per sq ft. 12×12" pavers: 1 per sq ft. These counts include standard joint spacing.
How much sand do I need under pavers?+
Plan for 1 inch of bedding sand over your compacted gravel base. For a 100 sq ft area, that's about 0.31 cubic yards of sand.
How much does a paver patio cost?+
Materials typically cost $3–$6 per sq ft (pavers + base materials). Professional installation adds $8–$15 per sq ft. A 200 sq ft DIY patio runs roughly $600–$1,200 in materials.
Do I need gravel under pavers?+
Yes. A compacted aggregate base (CMHA guidance generally uses about 4–6 inches for pedestrian patios on suitable soil) is essential for drainage and stability. Without it, pavers will settle and shift unevenly over time.
Common Paver Projects
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Not sure of your patio size? Measure it on a satellite map →
How Many Pavers Do I Need per Square Foot?
The number of pavers per square foot depends on paver size. Standard 6×6 inch pavers require 4 per square foot. 12×12 inch pavers require 1 per square foot.
Always add 5–10% extra for cuts, waste, and future replacements. The calculator above includes a waste factor automatically.
| Paver Size | Pavers per Sq Ft | 100 Sq Ft Patio | 200 Sq Ft Patio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6×6 in | 4.0 | ~420 pavers | ~840 pavers |
| 6×9 in | 2.7 | ~284 pavers | ~567 pavers |
| 8×8 in | 2.25 | ~236 pavers | ~473 pavers |
| 12×12 in | 1.0 | ~105 pavers | ~210 pavers |
Counts include 5% waste factor. Complex patterns (herringbone, basketweave) may require 10% extra for angled cuts.
How Much Does a Paver Patio Cost?
A DIY paver patio costs $3–$6 per square foot for materials. Professional installation adds $8–$15 per square foot. A 200 sq ft patio runs $600–$1,200 DIY or $2,200–$4,200 installed.
Patio costs depend on paver type, base preparation, and whether you do the work yourself or hire a contractor.
| Patio Size | DIY Materials | Pro Installed |
|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft (10×10) | $300–$600 | $1,100–$2,100 |
| 200 sq ft (10×20) | $600–$1,200 | $2,200–$4,200 |
| 400 sq ft (20×20) | $1,200–$2,400 | $4,400–$8,400 |
Full cost breakdown: Paver Patio Cost and Planning Guide →
Sand and Gravel Needed Under Pavers
For a pedestrian patio on suitable, well-drained soil, CMHA guidance generally uses about 4–6 inches of compacted aggregate base plus about 1 inch of bedding sand. A 200 sq ft patio requires about 2.5–3.7 cubic yards of gravel and 0.62 cubic yards of sand.
The calculator uses 4 inches as a planning default. Weak or wet soils, freeze-thaw climates and heavier traffic can require a deeper base. A solid base prevents settling, cracking, and uneven pavers — never skip it.
Gravel Base (4–6 inches)
Use crushed stone (#57 or similar). Compact in lifts sized for your compaction equipment. This provides drainage and a stable foundation. Gravel base guide → Estimate gravel → For guidance on gravel types and depth, see our gravel depth guide.
Bedding Sand (1 inch)
Use coarse, angular sand (ASTM C-33). Screed to a smooth, level surface. Do not compact the bedding sand — the pavers will set into it. Estimate sand →
Polymeric Joint Sand
Fill joints between pavers after installation. Hardens when wet to lock pavers in place and prevent weed growth. Budget 1 bag per 30–50 sq ft.
Before You Order
- ☐Measure at multiple points — most areas are not perfectly rectangular
- ☐Add 10% for cuts and breakage; herringbone and diagonal patterns need 15%
- ☐Choose your pattern before ordering — it determines how many cuts you will make
- ☐Order base gravel and leveling sand at the same time as pavers
- ☐Verify your chosen paver style is available locally before committing to a color or size
Ordering in bulk?
Base course and bedding sand are both available for bulk delivery — almost always the better option for anything larger than a small patio. Compare local pricing at AggregateMarkets.
Prices and availability vary by location. Use code MEADOWLARK for 5% off your first bulk order.