Part of the DIY & Home collection — 4 tools available
Paver Calculator — Patio & Driveway
Calculate how many pavers you need for a patio or driveway. Enter area dimensions and paver size to estimate pieces, base material, sand, and total cost.
About This Calculator
Planning a paver patio, walkway, or driveway starts with figuring out how many pavers to order — and the calculation involves more than dividing area by paver size. You need to account for the spacing between pavers (joint sand gaps), edge cutting waste around the perimeter, and the base material layers underneath including gravel and leveling sand. A 200-square-foot patio with 12*12 pavers on a 4-inch base needs about 210 pavers after waste, plus 3 cubic yards of gravel and 1 cubic yard of bedding sand. Our paver calculator handles all of these material estimates.
The Formula Behind This Calculator
Area = Length * Width Pavers = Area / Paver area * 1.1 (waste) Base material (cu ft) = Area * Depth / 12
Understanding the math helps you verify results and make better decisions for your project.
How to Use
- 1Enter the patio or driveway length and width in feet.
- 2Enter individual paver dimensions in inches.
- 3Set waste factor (10% for simple patterns, 15% for herringbone).
- 4Enter price per paver from your supplier.
- 5Click Calculate for pavers, base material, sand, and cost.
When to Use
- →Planning a paver patio or driveway and needing the full material list before ordering from the landscape supplier
- →Comparing costs between different paver sizes, shapes, and patterns for the same project area
- →Budgeting the complete patio project including base rock, sand, pavers, and polymeric sand for joints
Tips
- ✓Invest in proper base preparation — 4-6 inches of compacted crushed stone prevents settling and shifting for decades
- ✓Buy polymeric sand for the joints — it hardens after watering and prevents weeds, ants, and washout between pavers
- ✓Rent a plate compactor for base preparation — hand-tamping is insufficient for any patio larger than a few square feet
FAQ
What base material goes under pavers?
4-6 inches of compacted 3/4-minus crushed stone (road base). For driveways, use 6-8 inches. Compact in 2-inch lifts for best results.
How much does a pallet of pavers cover?
A standard pallet covers 100-120 sq ft for typical 4×8 pavers. Larger format pavers may cover 80-100 sq ft per pallet. Check with your supplier for exact counts.
Should I use polymeric sand between pavers?
Yes. Polymeric sand hardens after getting wet and prevents weeds, ants, and washout. One bag covers roughly 40-60 sq ft depending on paver size and joint width.
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