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 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.
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
A paver patio needs a 4–6 inch compacted gravel base plus 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.
A solid base prevents settling, cracking, and uneven pavers. Never skip the gravel base layer.
Gravel Base (4–6 inches)
Use crushed stone (#57 or similar). Compact in 2-inch lifts with a plate compactor. 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.