Boneyard Tools

Paver Calculator: How Many Pavers Do I Need

Work out how many pavers a patio or path needs. Enter the area, the size of a single paver and a waste allowance, and get the paver count plus the sand bed.

How to calculate pavers

  1. Enter the patio length and width in feet.
  2. Enter the length and width of a single paver in inches.
  3. Set a waste allowance and read the pavers and sand to buy.

Examples

10 by 10 ft patio with 6 by 6 in pavers

Area 10 x 10, paver 6 x 6 in, 10% waste
4 pavers per sq ft, 440 pavers

Frequently asked questions

How many pavers do I need per square foot?

Divide 144 by the paver length times width in inches. A 6 by 6 inch paver covers 36 square inches, so it takes 144 divided by 36, which is 4 pavers per square foot.

How much waste should I add for pavers?

Add about 10% for straight layouts to cover cuts and breakage, and up to 15 to 20% for diagonal or herringbone patterns, which need more cutting at the edges. The default here is 10%.

How much sand do I need under pavers?

A 1 inch sand setting bed is typical. The calculator multiplies the area by 1 inch of depth and converts to cubic yards. Add a separate gravel base below the sand for drainage and stability.

Do I need a gravel base too?

Yes for most patios. A compacted gravel base of 4 to 6 inches sits under the sand to spread loads and drain water. This tool sizes the sand bed only; size the gravel separately.

Should I buy extra pavers?

Yes. Buy the waste allowance and a few spares so you have matching pavers from the same batch for repairs later, since color and size can vary between production runs.

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