PAVER CALCULATOR

Paver Calculator — How Many Pavers Do I Need?

Estimate how many pavers you need for a patio, walkway, driveway or other paved area. Select from common paver sizes or enter your own, set the joint gap and waste allowance to get an accurate count with sand and base material estimates.

Area to pave

Paver size

Gap & waste

Pavers needed
—pavers

Enter area and paver size to calculate.

Know Exactly How Many Pavers You Need for Your Patio, Walkway or Driveway

The Interior Tailor Paver Calculator estimates how many pavers you need for a patio, walkway, driveway or any paved area. Enter your length and width, choose a common paver size or type your own, and set the joint gap and waste allowance for your pattern. The calculator counts each paver with its joint, so you get a realistic quantity, and it also estimates the sand and base material you need under the pavers. Ordering the right amount the first time helps you avoid a second delivery and mismatched colour batches.

What the Paver Calculator Offers

  • Area-based estimate: enter length and width in feet or metres.
  • Five common paver sizes: 4x8 standard brick, 6x6 square, 6x9 cobblestone, 12x12 large square and 12x24 rectangular slab, plus a custom size.
  • Joint gap setting: counts each paver together with its joint for a more realistic total.
  • Pattern-friendly waste allowance: increase it for diagonal, herringbone and basket-weave layouts.
  • Sand and base estimates: plan the setting bed and compacted gravel base alongside your paver order.

How Paver Count Is Calculated

Each paver occupies its face area plus the joint gap on two adjacent sides. The total paver count is:

Pavers = Total Area ÷ ((Paver L + Gap) × (Paver W + Gap))

A waste allowance of 5–10% is standard for straight running-bond or stack patterns. Increase to 10–15% for diagonal (45°) layouts and 15–20% for herringbone and basket-weave patterns, which generate more edge cuts.

Paver Base & Sand Requirements

A properly built paver installation requires a compacted base and a sand setting bed:

  • Gravel base: 4–6 in (10–15 cm) compacted crushed stone — provides drainage and structural support
  • Sand setting bed: 1 in (2.5 cm) of coarse concrete sand — levels the surface for laying
  • Joint sand: Polymeric sand swept into joints after installation — prevents weed growth and ant infiltration
  • Edge restraints: Aluminum or plastic edging spiked into the base to prevent lateral movement

Paver Pattern Guide

  • Running bond: Bricks offset by half, like a brick wall. Most common, easy to cut, 5–10% waste.
  • Stack bond: All joints aligned in a grid. Clean modern look, requires precision. 5% waste.
  • Herringbone (90°): Strongest pattern for driveways, resists shifting under traffic. 15–20% waste.
  • Herringbone (45°): Diagonal version creates interesting visual effect. Most cuts at edges. 15–25% waste.
  • Basket-weave: Pairs of bricks alternating direction. Decorative, medium waste.

Paving Projects You Can Plan

Use the calculator to size up:

  • Patios and outdoor living areas
  • Garden paths and walkways
  • Driveways and parking pads
  • Pool surrounds and fire pit areas
  • Entry landings and courtyards

Example Paver Estimate

A 12 ft x 15 ft patio (180 sq ft) built with standard 4 x 8 inch pavers and a 1/8 inch joint. Each paver plus its joint covers about 0.233 sq ft, so the base count is about 773 pavers before waste.

Paver count by pattern

Example Paver Estimate
PatternWastePavers to buy
Running bond or stack bond10%851 pavers
Herringbone (90 degree)15%890 pavers
Herringbone (45 degree) or complex20%928 pavers

Base and sand for the same 180 sq ft patio

Example Paver Estimate
LayerDepthVolume
Compacted gravel base4 in60 cu ft (2.22 cu yd)
Compacted gravel base6 in90 cu ft (3.33 cu yd)
Sand setting bed1 in15 cu ft (0.56 cu yd)

Compacted base needs extra material to allow for compaction. Use the Gravel Calculator to add an allowance.

Tips for an Accurate Paver Order

  • Measure the finished paved area, then subtract any planters, trees or steps that will not be paved.
  • Match the waste allowance to your pattern: 5 to 10% for running bond, up to 20% for herringbone.
  • Order pavers from the same pallet batch and keep a few spares for future repairs.
  • Plan edge restraints and polymeric joint sand in addition to the pavers.
  • If your area is curved, expect extra cuts and raise the waste allowance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pavers do I need per square foot?

A standard 4×8 inch paver covers 0.222 sq ft (32 sq in) plus joint gap. With a 1/8-inch joint, each paver covers about 0.233 sq ft — approximately 4.3 pavers per square foot. A 12×12 paver requires about 1 paver per square foot.

Do I need to seal pavers?

Sealing is optional but recommended. It enhances color, makes cleaning easier, prevents efflorescence (white salt deposits) and helps lock joint sand in place. Seal within the first year and re-seal every 3–5 years.

Can I install pavers over an existing concrete slab?

Yes, if the slab is in good condition without significant cracks or settlement. Set pavers directly in a thin mortar bed or use 1/2-inch plastic pedestal clips designed for overlay installations. The surface height will be raised by the paver and mortar thickness.

How much extra should I order for a herringbone pattern?

Plan on roughly 15 to 20% extra for a 90 degree herringbone and 15 to 25% for a 45 degree layout, since these patterns create more edge cuts. Running bond and stack bond usually need 5 to 10%.

How much gravel base and sand do I need under pavers?

A common build uses a 4 to 6 inch compacted crushed stone base and a 1 inch sand setting bed. For 100 square feet, a 4 inch base is about 33 cubic feet (1.23 cubic yards) and a 1 inch sand bed is about 8 cubic feet (0.31 cubic yards).

What joint gap should I enter?

Many paver projects use a narrow joint of about 1/8 inch, but follow your paver manufacturer's guidance. Joints are typically filled with polymeric sand after installation.