Calculate how many pavers you need for any patio, walkway, or driveway — plus the gravel base and bedding sand required for a proper installation. Includes full cost estimate.
Patio / project area
ft
ft
Select paver size
$
Concrete paver: $0.75–$3 | Natural stone: $3–$15
Base materials
$
$
1 in bedding sand always needed
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pavers needed
Including 10% waste
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Project area
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Pavers per sq ft
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Total material cost
📦 Complete material list
Pavers needed—
Paver cost—
Gravel base—
Bedding sand (1 in)—
Polymeric jointing sand—
Total material cost—
Project area—
Paver size (with joint)—
Pavers per sq ft—
Pavers before waste—
Total pavers (with waste)—
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need for a patio? ›
Calculate pavers per square foot: 144 ÷ (paver length in inches + joint) ÷ (paver width in inches + joint). For a 4×8 brick paver with 3/8 in joints: 144 ÷ (8.375 × 4.375) = 3.93 pavers/sq ft. For a 192 sq ft patio (16×12) with 10% waste: 192 × 3.93 × 1.10 = 829 pavers. This calculator does the exact math for every preset and custom size.
What is the proper base for a paver patio? ›
A properly built paver patio needs: (1) excavation 8–12 inches deep, (2) 4–6 inches of compacted crushed gravel base, (3) 1 inch of screeded bedding sand, (4) pavers, (5) polymeric sand swept into joints and compacted. The gravel base is critical — it drains water and prevents frost heave. Skipping the base results in pavers that settle unevenly within a few years.
What is polymeric sand and do I need it? ›
Polymeric sand is a mixture of sand and binding polymers that hardens when wet. It's swept into the joints between pavers, then activated with water to create a semi-rigid joint that resists washout, weeds, and insects. Standard sand washes out and allows weeds. Polymeric sand ($25–$40 per 50 lb bag) is strongly recommended for any paved surface that will be permanent — it dramatically reduces long-term maintenance.
How much does a paver patio cost? ›
Materials for a concrete paver patio (pavers + base + sand) typically run $3–$8 per square foot. Natural stone pavers cost $10–$30/sq ft in materials. Installed cost (excavation, gravel, sand, pavers, polymeric sand, labor) typically runs $15–$25/sq ft for concrete pavers and $25–$50/sq ft for natural stone. A 16×12 ft (192 sq ft) concrete paver patio costs $2,880–$4,800 installed.
About this paver calculator
This calculator computes paver count using exact dimensions with joint width, applies your pattern and waste factors, and produces a complete material list including gravel base, bedding sand, and polymeric jointing sand — all three layers a proper paver installation requires.
Choosing the right paver size
Smaller pavers (4×8 brick) create a traditional look and are more forgiving with cuts around curves. Larger pavers (12×12, 16×16, 24×24) create a modern look, install faster, and show fewer joints — but require more precision since each cut is more noticeable. For large areas with gentle curves, 12×12 or 16×16 pavers strike a good balance.