How Many Pavers Do I Need?
Calculate the number of pavers, sand, and gravel needed for your patio, walkway, or driveway.
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 4–6 inch compacted gravel base under 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 4–6 inch compacted gravel base is essential for drainage and stability. Without it, pavers will settle and shift unevenly over time.