How this calculator works
Pavers are counted by dividing the patio area (in square inches) by the face area of one paver, then adding a cut allowance. Base gravel and bedding sand are simple area × depth volumes converted to cubic yards.
Pavers = round up( Area × 144 ÷ (Paver L × Paver W) × (1 + Waste%/100) )
Base = Area × Base depth/12 ÷ 27 (cubic yards)
Sand = Area × Sand depth/12 ÷ 27 (cubic yards)
Assumptions and tips
- Paver dimensions are nominal; built-in spacer lugs are ignored.
- Use 10% waste for straight patterns, 15% or more for herringbone and curves.
- The tonnage uses 1.4 tons per cubic yard as a typical gravel density — confirm with your supplier.
Worked example
Using the default values in the calculator above:
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Patio length | 12 ft |
| Patio width | 12 ft |
| Paver length | 8 in |
| Paver width | 4 in |
| Waste (cuts) | 10 % |
| Gravel base depth | 4 in |
| Bedding sand depth | 1 in |
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Pavers needed | 713 pavers |
| Base gravel | 1.78 cubic yards |
| Bedding sand | 0.44 cubic yards |
| Base gravel (approx. 1.4 tons/yd³) | 2.49 tons |
| Patio area | 144 sq ft |
Step by step:
- Area = 12 × 12 = 144 sq ft
- Pavers = 144 × 144 ÷ (8 × 4) = 648; + 10% → 713
- Base = 144 × 4/12 ÷ 27 = 1.778 yd³
- Sand = 144 × 1/12 ÷ 27 = 0.444 yd³
Pavers and base for common patio sizes
4 × 8 in pavers, 10% waste, 4 in base, 1 in sand.
| Patio | Pavers needed | Base gravel | Bedding sand |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 × 8 ft | 317 pavers | 0.79 cubic yards | 0.2 cubic yards |
| 10 × 10 ft | 495 pavers | 1.23 cubic yards | 0.31 cubic yards |
| 12 × 12 ft | 713 pavers | 1.78 cubic yards | 0.44 cubic yards |
| 12 × 16 ft | 951 pavers | 2.37 cubic yards | 0.59 cubic yards |
| 16 × 20 ft | 1,584 pavers | 3.95 cubic yards | 0.99 cubic yards |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping compaction of the base in layers — it is the main cause of sunken pavers.
- Too much bedding sand; more than about 1 in lets pavers shift.
Frequently asked questions
How many 4×8 pavers per square foot?
4.5 pavers (144 ÷ 32 sq in), before waste.
How deep should the paver base be?
Walkways and patios commonly use about 4 in of compacted base; driveways and poor soils need more. Follow the paver maker’s installation guide.