Calculators/ Masonry & Aggregate/Paver Calculator
Paver Calculator
Paver counts, base gravel and joint sand for a patio.
Most paver failures are base failures, not paver failures. The count itself is simple arithmetic, so this calculator also sizes the gravel base and bedding sand that actually determine whether the patio stays flat.
How this is calculated
- Paver area in square feet = length × width ÷ 144. Divide the patio area by that figure for the count.
- Add 10% waste for a straight layout, or 15% for a herringbone or circular pattern where every edge paver needs cutting.
- Base gravel: 4 inches for a walkway, 6 inches for a patio, 8-12 inches for a driveway. Add one inch of bedding sand on top.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should a paver base be?
Four inches of compacted gravel for foot traffic, six inches for a patio, and eight to twelve inches for a driveway. Add an inch of bedding sand above the gravel in every case.
Do I need edge restraint?
Yes. Without it the outer pavers creep outward, the joints open and the whole field loosens. It is the cheapest part of the job and the one most often skipped.
How much extra should I order for a pattern?
Ten percent for a running bond, fifteen for herringbone, and twenty for circular or fan patterns where almost every perimeter unit is cut.