Paver Calculator

What Is a Paver Calculator and Why You Need One

A paver calculator tells you exactly how many concrete or brick pavers to buy, how much base gravel to order, and how much bedding sand you need — before you set foot in a home improvement store. Pavers are sold by the pallet, and under-ordering by even 50 pieces means a second delivery charge, often $75–$150, plus a week of delay. Base gravel adds another layer: a 200-square-foot patio needs more than 1 cubic yard of crushed stone for the base alone, and most suppliers require a 1-yard minimum delivery. Getting the numbers right before you start is the difference between one trip and three. Want the total in dollars, not just quantities? The paver patio cost calculator puts your DIY materials total next to a contractor installed estimate. Still deciding between a paver patio and a poured slab? Our guide on pavers vs. concrete cost breaks down the price difference.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter your area. Switch between Length × Width or total square footage. For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles and add the results.
2. Select your paver size and pattern. Enter the exact length and width in inches, then choose a layout — the calculator applies the correct waste factor automatically.
3. Set your base depth in the Paver Base Materials card and review gravel and sand together, in both cubic yards and tons.

How Much Gravel and Sand Do You Need Under Pavers?

Most paver patios and walkways need a 4-inch compacted crushed-stone base topped with a 1-inch bedding sand layer. Driveways carrying vehicle weight need a deeper base — 8 to 12 inches — because the load-bearing requirement is far higher than foot traffic alone. The Paver Base Materials card above computes both from your patio area automatically.

For sand type — bedding sand versus polymeric joint sand — the sand calculator breaks the two down separately.

Does This Work for Unilock, Belgard, and Other Brand Pavers?

Yes. Enter the exact length and width printed on your product's spec sheet, and the calculator works the same regardless of brand — paver count, base gravel, and sand quantities are driven by dimensions, not a brand preset. Sizes vary by product line, so confirm yours against the spec sheet before ordering.

Common Paver Project Mistakes

Skipping the gravel base. The most common — and most expensive — mistake is laying pavers directly on compacted soil or a thin sand bed. Without a proper 4-inch crushed stone base, pavers shift, sink into soft spots, and develop uneven surfaces within a season or two.

Using the wrong sand. Play sand or fine mason sand is too fine for a bedding layer — it doesn't compact well and lets pavers sink into low spots. Use coarse concrete sand for the 1-inch screed layer, and reserve polymeric sand for joints only.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pavers do I need per square foot?

It depends on paver size. A 4×8-inch paver covers 0.222 sq ft, so you need about 4.5 pavers per sq ft. A 12×12-inch paver covers exactly 1 sq ft — larger pavers mean fewer pieces at a higher cost per piece.

How thick should paver base gravel be?

Use 4 inches of compacted crushed stone for patios and walkways, 6 inches for occasional vehicle traffic, and 8–12 inches for full driveways. Compact in 2-inch lifts — skimping on base thickness is the leading cause of paver shifting.

What is the best sand for under pavers?

Use coarse concrete sand — also labeled paver bedding sand — for the 1-inch screed layer. Avoid fine play sand, which shifts under load. Fill joints with polymeric sand after installation, not bedding sand.

How much waste should I add for herringbone?

Add 10% for herringbone — the 45-degree angle needs a diagonal cut on every edge paver. Running bond and basketweave use about 5%; stack bond only 3%. First-timers should add an extra 2–3% buffer.

How much do pavers weigh, and how many come on a pallet?

A standard concrete paver weighs about 22–24 lbs per sq ft installed. Pallet counts vary by size and brand — a pallet of 4×8-inch pavers typically holds 480–540 pieces (100–120 sq ft). Check your product's spec sheet for exact figures.

How do I calculate pavers for a circular patio?

Calculate the circle's area (π × radius²) and enter it as your square footage above — paver count and base materials work the same regardless of shape. Budget 15–20% waste instead of the standard 5–10% for curve cutting.

How do I calculate pedestal pavers for a rooftop or deck?

Pedestal pavers use the same grid math: divide your deck or rooftop area by one paver's footprint for the paver count. Pedestals follow the grid, not the area — for R rows and C columns of pavers, you need (rows+1) × (columns+1) pedestals, since each one supports the corners of up to four adjacent pavers.