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Q
QuantityCalc

Paver & Patio Calculator

Estimate the number of pavers, the bedding sand and base gravel, and the cost to build a patio or walkway from any size paver.

See the paver cost guide →

Project inputs

Waste factor
%
10% standard, 15% for diagonal
Pavers
594
pavers
Patio area
120
ft²
Bedding sand
0.37
yd³
Base gravel
1.48
yd³
How this is calculated
  • Patio area = 12 ft × 10 ft = 120 ft²
  • Paver coverage = (8 in × 4 in) ÷ 144 = 0.2222 ft² each
  • Pavers = 120 ft² ÷ 0.2222 ft² + 10% waste → 594
  • Bedding sand = 120 ft² × (1 in ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 0.37 yd³
  • Base gravel = 120 ft² × (4 in ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 1.48 yd³

Paver count includes a waste allowance for cuts around edges and curves.

Bedding sand and base gravel are estimated as tons; weights vary by moisture and supplier.

The math

Pavers
120 ft²
$
$480.00
Bedding sand
0.54 ton
$
$16.20
Base gravel
2.07 ton
$
$62.10
Estimated total$558.30

National-average prices, adjusted by region. Edit any unit price to match a local quote. Estimate only.

Frequently asked questions

How many pavers do I need? ⌄

Multiply the patio length × width for the area, then divide by the coverage of one paver (paver length in × width in ÷ 144). The calculator above does this for you, rounds up to whole pavers, and adds a waste factor for cuts.

How much sand and gravel go under pavers? ⌄

Plan on about 1 inch of bedding sand over roughly 4 inches of compacted base gravel. The calculator converts each layer to cubic yards and tons based on your patio area so you can order the right amount.

How much extra should I buy for cuts and waste? ⌄

Add about 10% for a standard square or running-bond layout, and around 15% for a diagonal or herringbone pattern, which needs more cuts. Keeping a few spares also helps with future repairs.

Do paver dimensions change how many I need? ⌄

Yes. Smaller pavers cover less area each, so you need more of them for the same patio. Enter the exact paver length and width above and the count updates to match that size.

Does the cost estimate include delivery and labor? ⌄

No. The estimate covers material only — pavers plus the sand and gravel base — at national-average prices adjusted by region. Edge restraints, joint sand, delivery, and labor are extra, so edit the unit price to match a local quote.

How to measure your patio

Measure the length and width of the patio or walkway in feet and multiply them for the surface area. For an L-shaped or curved layout, split the space into rectangles, find the area of each, and add them together. Enter the dimensions above and the calculator returns the number of pavers, the bedding sand and base gravel, and an estimated material cost.

  • Walkways: 3–4 ft wide is comfortable for one person
  • Patios: size to your furniture, leaving room to pull chairs out
  • Driveways: use thicker pavers (about 80 mm) and a deeper compacted base

How the paver math works

Pavers come in many sizes, so the calculator works from the size you enter rather than assuming one. It converts the paver’s footprint to square feet, then divides the patio area by it:

  • Paver coverage (ft²) = (paver length in × paver width in) ÷ 144
  • Pavers = patio area ÷ paver coverage, rounded up

Dividing inches by 144 converts square inches to square feet. Because the result is always rounded up to a whole paver, small areas can still need a surprising count — double-check the paver dimensions before ordering.

Sand and gravel base

A lasting patio is only as good as what’s under it. Plan on a compacted gravel sub-base with a thin bedding layer of sand on top:

  • Bedding sand = about 1 inch, screeded flat to set the pavers
  • Base gravel = about 4 inches of compacted crushed stone

The calculator converts each layer to cubic yards (area × thickness ÷ 27) and then to tons for ordering. Wetter or finer material weighs more, so treat the tonnage as a close estimate and confirm with your supplier.

Adding a waste factor

Cutting pavers to fit edges, borders, and curves always wastes a few. Add 10% for a standard square or running-bond layout and about 15% for a diagonal or herringbone pattern, which produces more cuts. The waste factor above is applied to the paver count so you order enough the first time and keep a few spares for future repairs.

Estimating cost

The cost shown estimates material only — pavers priced by the square foot plus the sand and gravel base. It does not include edge restraints, polymeric joint sand, delivery, equipment rental, or labor. Prices vary widely by region and paver style, so use the regional adjustment and edit the unit price to match a local quote before you buy.