Calculate the number of pavers needed for a patio or walkway based on area and paver size.
Base & materials
Estimated cost
Shopping list
Usage Tip
Order a few extra from the same lot for repairs; dye lots vary, and a cracked paver years later is hard to match.
pavers = round up( area × (1 + waste ÷ 100) ÷ paver area )
The result rounds up to whole pavers.
How many pavers do I need?
Divide the project area by the area of one paver, then add a waste factor for cuts and breakage. A 4 by 8 in paver covers about 0.22 sq ft, so a 200 sq ft patio needs roughly 900 pavers before waste, or about 945 with a 5 percent running-bond allowance. Pattern matters: angled layouts like herringbone waste more because of the edge cuts. This calculator handles the area, the paver size, the pattern waste, the gravel and sand base, edging and joint sand, and the total cost.
Paver size chart
How many pavers per square foot depends on the size:
| Paver size | Pavers per sq ft |
|---|---|
| 4 x 8 in (brick) | 4.5 |
| 6 x 6 in | 4.0 |
| 6 x 9 in | 2.7 |
| 12 x 6 in | 2.0 |
| 12 x 12 in | 1.0 |
| 16 x 16 in | 0.56 |
Paver patterns and waste
The laying pattern changes how many pavers you cut at the edges, so each carries a different waste allowance:
| Pattern | Typical waste |
|---|---|
| Running bond | 5% |
| Basket weave | 10% |
| Random / ashlar | 10% |
| Herringbone (45 degrees) | 15% |
Herringbone is the strongest pattern for driveways because the interlock resists shifting, but the diagonal cuts at the border waste more material.
Paver base gravel calculator
A paver surface is only as good as its base. Under the pavers go a compacted gravel base and a thin sand setting bed. Order extra gravel because it loses roughly a fifth of its volume when compacted.
| Project | Gravel base depth |
|---|---|
| Walkway | 4 in |
| Patio | 4 to 6 in |
| Fire pit area | 4 in |
| Driveway | 8 to 12 in |
Sand bedding guide
Over the gravel goes a 1 in layer of coarse bedding sand, screeded flat, that the pavers are set into. After laying, sweep polymeric jointing sand into the gaps and mist it to lock the pavers together. A 50 lb bag of joint sand covers roughly 75 to 100 sq ft for small pavers, more for large ones.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers in a pallet?
It varies by size, but a pallet typically covers around 100 sq ft. The calculator estimates pallets from your area.
How much gravel base for pavers?
4 to 6 in for patios and walkways, 8 to 12 in for driveways. Order about 20 percent extra for compaction.
How much sand do I need under pavers?
A 1 in bedding layer. For a 200 sq ft patio that is about 0.6 cubic yards of coarse sand, plus joint sand on top.
What is the best paver pattern?
Running bond is simplest and wastes least; herringbone is strongest and best for driveways but wastes more at the edges.
How much extra should I buy for waste?
5 percent for running bond, 10 percent for basket weave or random, and 15 percent for herringbone and diagonal layouts.
Do I need edging?
Yes. Edge restraint around the perimeter keeps the pavers from spreading. Estimate it from the perimeter of the area.
Gravel Calculator · Project Cost Calculator · Square Footage Calculator
Coming soon: Sand Calculator
Estimates are for planning. Paver coverage, pallet counts and joint-sand coverage vary by manufacturer; gravel and sand vary with compaction and moisture. Add a waste margin, order extra base for compaction, and confirm coverage and pallet sizes with your supplier.