Paver Calculator
Calculate how many pavers, how much base gravel and how much sand you need for a patio, walkway or driveway.
Free · No sign-up · Runs in your browser · Last reviewed November 2026
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About the Paver Calculator
A paver patio has three layers: the pavers, a one inch bed of sand and a compacted gravel base. This paver calculator estimates the number of pavers from the area and paver size, adds waste for cuts, and calculates the cubic yards of base gravel and bedding sand. Joint sand and edge restraints are extra.
How to use it
- Enter the length and width of the paved area in feet.
- Enter the paver size, waste percentage and base depth.
- Press Calculate pavers to see pavers, gravel, sand and cost.
Paver formula
Pavers = area ÷ area of one paver × (1 + waste). A 16 × 12 ft patio is 192 sq ft. A 6 × 9 inch paver covers 0.375 sq ft, so you need 512 pavers, or 563 with 10% waste.
Recommended base depth
| Use | Compacted gravel base |
|---|---|
| Walkways and patios | 4 to 6 inches |
| Driveways | 8 to 12 inches |
| Poor or clay soil | Add 2 to 4 inches |
Tips
- Compact the base in 2 to 3 inch layers.
- Use edge restraints to keep pavers from spreading.
- Sweep polymeric sand into the joints after compacting.
Paver patio planning: another example and common errors
Try a 10 × 10 ft patio with 12 × 12 inch pavers. Each paver covers 1 sq ft, so you need 100, or 110 with 10% waste. A 6 inch base adds about 1.85 cubic yards of gravel, and a 1 inch sand bed adds about 0.31 cubic yards. That is a lot of gravel for a small patio, which is why the base is usually the largest delivery.
Mistakes people make
- Cutting the base short. A shallow or uncompacted base is the main reason patios sink and wobble.
- Using the wrong sand. Bedding sand is not the same as joint sand; polymeric sand goes in the joints after compaction.
- Forgetting drainage. Pitch the surface about 1/4 inch per foot away from the house.
- Underestimating cuts. Curves and angled edges need 15% or more.
Convert the gravel volume to a truckload using the cubic yard calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need per square foot?
With 6 by 9 inch pavers you need about 2.7 per square foot. With 12 by 12 inch pavers you need 1.
How much base gravel do I need under pavers?
Four to six inches for patios and walkways, which is roughly 1.2 to 1.9 cubic yards per 100 square feet. Enter your own area above for an exact figure.
How much sand goes under pavers?
About 1 inch of coarse bedding sand, roughly 0.31 cubic yards per 100 sq ft.
How much waste should I allow?
About 10%, or up to 15% for curved edges and patterns.
Do I need polymeric sand?
It is widely used to lock joints and reduce weeds, though regular sand also works.
Do I need edge restraints on a paver patio?
Yes. Plastic, metal or concrete edging holds the outer pavers in place so they do not spread, and it is a standard part of most installation guides.
Can I lay pavers directly on soil?
It is not recommended. Without a compacted gravel base, pavers shift, settle and heave with frost, and weeds grow through the joints.
Last reviewed: November 2026.