Paver Calculator
How many pavers to buy, plus the base gravel, bedding sand and edging underneath them.
Base gravel (crushed stone)
- Base gravel
- 2.90 tons
- Base gravel
- 2.04 cu yd
Bedding sand (1 in)
- Bedding sand
- 0.58 tons
- Bedding sand
- 0.44 cu yd
- Or 50 lb bags
- 24 bags
Edging
- Edge restraint
- 48 linear ft
Area
- Area
- 144 sq ft
Cost
- Pavers
- –
How many pavers do I need?
Divide the area in square feet by the area of one paver (length × width in inches ÷ 144), then add 5 to 10% for cuts. A 6 × 9 in paver covers 0.375 sq ft, so a 12 × 12 ft patio (144 sq ft) needs 404 pavers with 5% extra. Underneath, plan for 2.90 tons of base gravel and 0.58 tons of bedding sand.
Worked example: a 12 × 12 ft patio with 6 × 9 in pavers
- Pavers: one 6 × 9 in paver = 54 sq in = 0.375 sq ft. 144 sq ft × 1.05 = 151.2 sq ft ÷ 0.375 = 403.2, so 404 pavers.
- Base: a patio needs at least 4 in of compacted crushed stone. 144 × 1/3 ft = 48 cu ft, plus 15% because loose gravel compacts: 2.04 cu yd, about 2.90 tons.
- Bedding sand: a 1 in layer is 12 cu ft = 0.44 cu yd, about 0.58 tons or 24 bags of 50 lb.
- Edging: the perimeter is 2 × (12 + 12) = 48 ft of edge restraint.
Pavers per square foot by size
| Paver size | Covers | Pavers per sq ft | Per 100 sq ft (+5%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 8 in | 0.222 sq ft | 4.5 | 473 |
| 6 × 6 in | 0.25 sq ft | 4 | 420 |
| 6 × 9 in | 0.375 sq ft | 2.67 | 280 |
| 12 × 12 in | 1 sq ft | 1 | 105 |
| 16 × 16 in | 1.78 sq ft | 0.56 | 60 |
Sizes are nominal. Check the coverage printed on the pallet or product page: many pavers are sold by the square foot, which takes care of joint width for you.
Base depth: what ICPI recommends
Pavers last only as long as the base under them. The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) gives these minimum compacted base depths of crushed stone:
- 4 inches for patios, walkways and other foot traffic
- 6 inches for residential driveways
- 8 inches for parking lots and residential streets
On top of the base goes a 1 inch layer of bedding sand, screeded flat. Soft, wet or clay soil needs a deeper base. For anything carrying vehicles, check with a local contractor.
Ordering tips
- Buy by the square foot when you can. Pallets often list coverage in square feet, joints included.
- Order the extra now. A later batch can differ slightly in color, and spares are useful for repairs.
- Herringbone and diagonal patterns need more cutting: use 10 to 15% extra.
- Joint sand: polymeric sand coverage depends on the joint width and paver size. Use the coverage printed on the bag.
- For a different base layer or bulk sand, use the gravel and sand calculators.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need for a 10 × 10 patio?
How much base do I need for pavers?
How much sand do I need under pavers?
How many 4 × 8 pavers are in a square foot?
How much extra should I order for cuts?
Related calculators
Sources and method
- ICPI Construction Tolerance Guide (Rev. Feb 2020) — minimum base 4 in (pedestrian), 6 in (residential driveways), 8 in (parking, streets); bedding 1 in
- Engineering ToolBox — densities of dirt, sand, gravel and other materials — gravel, dry 105 lb/ft³; sand, dry 97 lb/ft³
Last checked October 12, 2026. How we build and test every calculator: methodology.