Concrete and Aggregate

Paver Calculator

How many pavers you need for a patio or path, plus base gravel and bedding sand.

Pavers for a patio

Enter the patio size and one paver size. 5 percent waste added.

ft
ft
in
in
m
m
cm
cm
Pavers
-
Base gravel (4 in)
-cu yd
Bedding sand (1 in)
-cu yd
pavers = patio area ÷ paver area × 1.05
Pavers
-
Base gravel (10 cm)
-
Bedding sand (2.5 cm)
-
pavers = patio area ÷ paver area × 1.05
Estimate only. Includes 5 percent for cuts. Confirm the final quantity with your supplier before ordering.

How the paver estimate works

Divide the patio area by the area of one paver, then add 5 percent for cuts around edges. A solid patio also needs a compacted base, usually about 4 inches of gravel, and a 1 inch bedding layer of sand. Diagonal and herringbone layouts cut more, so lean toward 10 percent waste for those.

Laying a patio? A string line and line level keep your courses straight and the surface true.

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Common questions

How many 12 by 12 pavers for a 12 by 16 patio?

A 12 by 16 foot patio is 192 square feet. With 12 by 12 inch pavers (one square foot each) and 5 percent waste, that is about 202 pavers.

How much base and sand do I need under pavers?

A typical build is about 4 inches of compacted gravel base and 1 inch of bedding sand. The calculator gives both volumes for your patio size.
Knowledge Base

Estimating Guides & Reference

Plain-language guides on measuring, coverage and how much extra to buy, written for DIYers and trades.

Measuring & Estimating
Concrete & Aggregate
Soil & Lawn
Interior & Finishing