A 4 × 8 in paver covers 0.222 sq ft (4.5 pavers per sq ft), so a 12 × 10 ft patio (120 sq ft) needs 540 pavers, or 594 with 10 percent extra.
To find how many pavers you need, divide the area in square feet by the area of one paver in square feet, then add about 10 percent for cuts and breakage, just as the paver calculator does. Underneath, plan on a compacted gravel base, typically 4 to 6 inches for patios and walkways, and about 1 inch of bedding sand.
The calculator above handles all three: pavers, base gravel, and bedding sand.
How to measure for a paver project
- Measure the finished paved area. Measure length and width in feet. For an L-shaped patio or a curved walkway, split it into rectangles, calculate each, and add them. The square footage calculator adds up to three rectangles for you.
- Get the paver's size. Use the size on the product label. Many pavers are sold by a nominal size such as 4 × 8 in but are slightly smaller in reality. The Pavestone Holland paver, for example, measures 7.87 × 3.94 in. See the note on actual sizes below.
- Pick the base depth for your use. Patios and walkways need less base than driveways. See the depth table below.
- Size the base a little wider than the pavers. The Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association (CMHA) guide specification calls for the base to extend beyond the edge restraint's spikes by at least the thickness of the base (the spec caps that minimum at 10 inches). More on that below.
- Plan the slope. Belgard recommends pitching the base away from the house at 1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot. Measure the length of fall so you know how much lower the far edge will sit.
The paver formula
The calculator uses:
- Area = length (ft) × width (ft)
- Paver size (sq ft) = paver length (in) × paver width (in) ÷ 144
- Pavers = area ÷ paver size × (1 + extra % ÷ 100), rounded up
- Base (cu yd) = area × base depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27
- Base (tons) = base cubic yards × 1.4
- Bedding sand (cu ft) = area × sand depth (in) ÷ 12
The 144 converts square inches to square feet. The 1.4 tons per cubic yard is a typical weight for crushed stone; Select Sand & Gravel puts standard crushed stone at 1.35 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard and road base with fines at up to about 1.5.
Worked example (the calculator's default values)
A 12 × 10 ft patio with 8 × 4 in pavers, 10 percent extra, a 4 in gravel base, and 1 in of bedding sand:
- Area: 12 × 10 = 120 sq ft
- Paver size: 8 × 4 ÷ 144 = 0.222 sq ft (4.5 pavers per sq ft)
- Pavers: 120 × 4.5 = 540, plus 10 percent = 594 pavers
- Base: 120 × 4 ÷ 12 = 40 cu ft, ÷ 27 = 1.48 cubic yards, × 1.4 = about 2.07 tons
- Bedding sand: 120 × 1 ÷ 12 = 10.0 cu ft
The calculator shows: "You need 594 pavers for 120 sq ft. Base: 1.48 cu yd (about 2.07 tons) of crushed gravel at 4 in deep. Bedding sand: 10.0 cu ft at 1 in deep. Includes 10% extra pavers."
Pavers per square foot by size
| Paver size (nominal) | Pavers per sq ft | Pavers per 100 sq ft (no extra, rounded up) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 × 8 in | 4.50 | 450 |
| 6 × 6 in | 4.00 | 400 |
| 6 × 9 in | 2.67 | 267 |
| 8 × 8 in | 2.25 | 225 |
| 6 × 12 in | 2.00 | 200 |
| 12 × 12 in | 1.00 | 100 |
| 14 × 14 in | 0.73 | 74 |
| 12 × 18 in | 0.67 | 67 |
| 16 × 16 in | 0.56 | 57 |
| 12 × 24 in | 0.50 | 50 |
| 24 × 24 in | 0.25 | 25 |
These use nominal sizes. Always compare with the coverage printed on the pallet or product page.
Nominal vs. actual paver size
The Pavestone Holland paver is sold as a 4 × 8 but measures 7.87 × 3.94 in, and its pallet of 480 pieces is listed at 103 sq ft. That works out to about 4.66 pavers per sq ft, not 4.5. If you enter the actual size in the calculator, the example patio needs 614 pavers instead of 594. When the manufacturer lists coverage per pallet, trust that number: divide your area (plus extra) by it to get pallets.
Pavers, base, and sand for common patio sizes
From the calculator with 4 × 8 in pavers, 10 percent extra, a 4 in gravel base, and 1 in of bedding sand. For tons of base, multiply the cubic yards by 1.4.
| Patio | Area | 4 × 8 in pavers | Gravel base, 4 in (cu yd) | Bedding sand, 1 in (cu ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 100 sq ft | 495 | 1.23 | 8.3 |
| 12 × 12 ft | 144 sq ft | 713 | 1.78 | 12.0 |
| 10 × 20 ft | 200 sq ft | 990 | 2.47 | 16.7 |
| 12 × 16 ft | 192 sq ft | 951 | 2.37 | 16.0 |
| 16 × 16 ft | 256 sq ft | 1,268 | 3.16 | 21.3 |
| 16 × 20 ft | 320 sq ft | 1,584 | 3.95 | 26.7 |
| 20 × 20 ft | 400 sq ft | 1,980 | 4.94 | 33.3 |
The base column covers the paved area only. The base should also extend past the edges, as explained under the base depth table below.
Base and sand depth by use
| Use | Compacted gravel base | Bedding sand |
|---|---|---|
| Patios and walkways | 4 to 6 in | About 1 in |
| Residential driveways | 8 to 12 in | About 1 in |
Base depths are from Belgard's base installation guide; the 1 in bedding layer comes from the CMHA guide specification and Belgard. Site conditions can change these numbers. Belgard suggests checking with its local representative or a civil or geotechnical engineer for site-specific needs, and for a driveway it is worth having a pro confirm the base design. For a poured concrete patio or driveway instead, the concrete calculator guide lists typical thicknesses, and for an asphalt driveway the asphalt calculator gives the tons of hot mix and its gravel base.
For the example patio, bumping the base from 4 to 6 inches raises it to 2.22 cubic yards, about 3.11 tons.
Make the base wider than the pavers
Because the base should extend beyond the edge restraint by at least its own thickness, the base area is bigger than the paver area. For the example's 4 in base, add roughly 4 inches on every side: the base becomes about 12.67 × 10.67 ft, or 135.1 sq ft. That needs 1.67 cubic yards (about 2.34 tons) instead of 1.48. A quick way to get this from the calculator is to run it a second time with the larger length and width and read only the base line.
Paver base in cubic yards and tons by patio size
Every 100 sq ft of patio takes 1.23 cubic yards (1.73 tons) of base at 4 inches deep and 1.85 cubic yards (2.59 tons) at 6 inches, and each extra inch adds about 0.31 cubic yard per 100 sq ft. The 4 and 6 in columns are Belgard's range for patios and walkways; 8 and 12 in are its range for driveways.
| Area | 4 in base: cu yd (tons) | 6 in base: cu yd (tons) | 8 in base: cu yd (tons) | 12 in base: cu yd (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft (100 sq ft) | 1.23 (1.73 tons) | 1.85 (2.59 tons) | 2.47 (3.46 tons) | 3.70 (5.19 tons) |
| 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | 1.78 (2.49 tons) | 2.67 (3.73 tons) | 3.56 (4.98 tons) | 5.33 (7.47 tons) |
| 10 × 20 ft (200 sq ft) | 2.47 (3.46 tons) | 3.70 (5.19 tons) | 4.94 (6.91 tons) | 7.41 (10.37 tons) |
| 16 × 20 ft (320 sq ft) | 3.95 (5.53 tons) | 5.93 (8.30 tons) | 7.90 (11.06 tons) | 11.85 (16.59 tons) |
| 20 × 20 ft (400 sq ft) | 4.94 (6.91 tons) | 7.41 (10.37 tons) | 9.88 (13.83 tons) | 14.81 (20.74 tons) |
| 20 × 30 ft (600 sq ft) | 7.41 (10.37 tons) | 11.11 (15.56 tons) | 14.81 (20.74 tons) | 22.22 (31.11 tons) |
These are the compacted volumes the calculator returns, with tons at its 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Gravel settles as you compact it, so order more loose material: a Marine Corps estimating lesson based on the Army's FM 5-434 multiplies compacted cubic yards of gravel by 1.17 to get loose cubic yards. For the 12 × 10 ft example at 4 inches, 1.48 compacted cubic yards becomes about 1.73 loose cubic yards, or about 2.43 tons. The wider base footprint described above adds to this as well.
Paver base bags by patio size
Bagged paver base from Quikrete and Pavestone comes in 0.5 cu ft bags, so you need 2 bags per cubic foot: one bag covers 1.5 sq ft at 4 inches deep or 1 sq ft at 6 inches. Multiply the area by the depth in inches, divide by 12 for cubic feet, and double it, or multiply the calculator's cubic yards by 54.
| Area | 4 in deep | 6 in deep |
|---|---|---|
| 3 × 8 ft walkway (24 sq ft) | 16 bags (8 cu ft) | 24 bags (12 cu ft) |
| 5 × 10 ft (50 sq ft) | 34 bags (16.7 cu ft) | 50 bags (25 cu ft) |
| 10 × 10 ft (100 sq ft) | 67 bags (33.3 cu ft) | 100 bags (50 cu ft) |
| 12 × 10 ft (120 sq ft) | 80 bags (40 cu ft) | 120 bags (60 cu ft) |
| 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | 96 bags (48 cu ft) | 144 bags (72 cu ft) |
| 10 × 20 ft (200 sq ft) | 134 bags (66.7 cu ft) | 200 bags (100 cu ft) |
Quikrete's bag chart lists the same 67 bags for 100 sq ft at 4 inches and 100 bags at 6 inches. Pavestone sells its 0.5 cu ft paver base 64 bags (32 cu ft) to a pallet, enough for 96 sq ft at 4 inches or 64 sq ft at 6 inches. Check what is in the bag: Quikrete describes its bagged Paver Base as a base sand, while the CMHA specification recommends aggregate base like that used under highway pavements, or base meeting ASTM D2940. A cubic yard is 54 bags, so for the larger patios here bulk crushed stone by the ton or cubic yard is an option.
Installation tips that affect quantities
- Compact in lifts. Belgard recommends compacting the base in layers (lifts) no thicker than 4 to 6 inches at a time. If you compact in 4 in lifts, a 6 in base goes down in two passes, and an 8 to 12 in driveway base takes two or three.
- Buy the right sand. The CMHA specification calls for washed, clean bedding sand meeting the ASTM C33 grading, screeded to a nominal 1 inch.
- Install edge restraints. CMHA calls for edge restraints around the full perimeter. Measure the perimeter and buy restraint to match: the example patio needs 2 × (12 + 10) = 44 linear feet, less any side that butts against the house.
- Keep joints tight. The CMHA specification lists joints between 1/16 and 3/16 inch. Staying in that range keeps your count accurate.
- Slope for drainage. At 1/8 inch per foot, a 12 ft patio drops 1.5 inches from the house to the far edge. Home Depot's patio guide states the same fall as about 1 inch every 8 feet.
Edge restraint and spikes by patio size
Edge restraint is sold by the linear foot. Measure the perimeter and leave out any side that butts against the house. Snap Edge, for example, comes in 8 ft pieces fastened with 8 to 12 in spikes: one every 18 to 24 inches for patios and walkways, one every foot for residential driveways, and one in every hole around curves and corners.
| Patio | All 4 sides open | One long side against the house | 8 ft pieces (4 sides) | Spikes, one per 18 to 24 in (4 sides) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 40 ft | 30 ft | 5 | 20 to 27 |
| 12 × 10 ft | 44 ft | 32 ft | 6 | 22 to 30 |
| 12 × 12 ft | 48 ft | 36 ft | 6 | 24 to 32 |
| 12 × 16 ft | 56 ft | 40 ft | 7 | 28 to 38 |
| 16 × 20 ft | 72 ft | 52 ft | 9 | 36 to 48 |
| 20 × 20 ft | 80 ft | 60 ft | 10 | 40 to 54 |
Add spikes at corners and curves on top of these counts. Set the restraint on the compacted base, never on the bedding sand, as both the CMHA specification and the Snap Edge data sheet say. Spike spacing differs by brand, and Belgard's technical guide says to follow the edging maker's literature.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using nominal size when the label says otherwise. Check actual dimensions or pallet coverage.
- Too little extra for complex layouts. The 10 percent default suits straight layouts. Herringbone, diagonal patterns, and curved edges produce more cuts, so raise it.
- Skimping on base. Stay within the depths above and compact every lift.
- Forgetting the base overhang. The CMHA specification extends the base beyond the edge restraint, so size your gravel order for the wider footprint.
- Ordering sand by the bag without checking volume. Bag sizes vary, so divide the cubic feet by the volume printed on the bag you're buying. The sand calculator turns cubic feet into cubic yards, pounds or tons, and 50 lb bags.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need per square foot?
4.5 for 4 × 8 in pavers by nominal size, 4 for 6 × 6 in, 2.25 for 8 × 8 in, 2 for 6 × 12 in, and 1 for 12 × 12 in: divide 144 by the paver's length times its width in inches. Actual sizes are often a little smaller, so check the manufacturer's coverage; the Pavestone Holland pallet works out to about 4.66 pavers per sq ft.
How do I calculate how many pavers I need?
Multiply the length by the width of the area in feet, divide by one paver's area in square feet (its length times its width in inches, divided by 144), and add 10 percent for cuts, rounding up. A 12 × 16 ft patio is 192 sq ft, and a 6 × 9 in paver covers 0.375 sq ft, so the patio takes 512 pavers, or 564 with 10 percent extra. Add more for herringbone, diagonal, or curved layouts.
How much gravel base do I need for a paver patio?
Belgard calls for 4 to 6 inches of compacted aggregate for patios and walkways. For a 120 sq ft patio, that is 1.48 cubic yards at 4 inches or 2.22 cubic yards at 6 inches, before extending the base past the edges.
How much paver base do I need?
1.23 cubic yards (about 1.73 tons) for every 100 sq ft at 4 inches deep, or 1.85 cubic yards (2.59 tons) at 6 inches. Multiply the area by the base depth in inches and divide by 12 for cubic feet, then by 27 for cubic yards. Belgard calls for 4 to 6 in of compacted base for patios and walkways and 8 to 12 in for driveways. Those are compacted volumes, so order about 17 percent more loose gravel (the 1.17 compacted-to-loose factor from FM 5-434), and remember that the base should extend past the edge restraint.
How many bags of paver base do I need?
67 bags of 0.5 cu ft for every 100 sq ft at 4 inches deep, or 100 bags at 6 inches: one bag covers 1.5 sq ft at 4 inches or 1 sq ft at 6. A 12 × 10 ft patio takes 80 bags at 4 inches, one 64-bag pallet plus 16 bags. Quikrete's bag chart lists the same 67 and 100 bags per 100 sq ft. A cubic yard is 54 bags, so for bigger areas bulk crushed stone by the ton is an option.
Is 2 inches of paver base enough?
4 inches of compacted base is the minimum for sidewalks, patios and other pedestrian areas in Belgard's Technical Resource Guide (6 inches for residential driveways), so 2 inches is not enough. Belgard's base installation guide calls for 4 to 6 inches for patios and walkways and 8 to 12 inches for driveways. The guide notes that its minimums do not apply to permeable pavers, slabs, concrete grid or tumbled pavers.
How much sand do I need under pavers?
Plan on about 1 inch of bedding sand. That is 1 cu ft for every 12 sq ft, so a 120 sq ft patio needs 10 cu ft. Joint sand is extra.
How many bags of polymeric sand do I need?
About 2 bags of 50 lb for a 12 × 10 ft (120 sq ft) patio of regular pavers with narrow joints. QUIKRETE rates a 50 lb bag of its polymeric jointing sand at 85 to 95 sq ft of regular pavers or 50 to 55 sq ft of tumbled pavers, and Alliance Gator rates its Super Sand Bond at 65 to 85 sq ft with 1/8 to 3/8 in joints or 22 to 42 sq ft with 3/4 to 1 in joints, for 2 3/8 in thick pavers. Divide your area by the coverage on the bag and round up: the same patio takes 3 bags with tumbled pavers, or 3 to 6 with wide joints.
How many pavers do I need for a 12 × 12 patio?
With 4 × 8 in pavers and 10 percent extra, 713 pavers. The base at 4 inches is 1.78 cubic yards (about 2.49 tons), and the bedding sand is 12.0 cu ft.
How many pallets of pavers do I need?
Divide your total (area plus extra) by the pallet's listed coverage and round up. The Pavestone Holland pallet above covers 103 sq ft with 480 pieces. The example patio needs 120 sq ft plus 10 percent, or 132 sq ft, which is 1.28 pallets. Using the Holland's actual size (614 pavers), that is one full pallet plus 134 loose pieces if your supplier sells them singly, or two pallets if not.
Should I use 10 or 15 percent extra?
Start at 10 percent for a rectangle laid in a running bond or basketweave. Go higher for herringbone, diagonal layouts, curves, or lots of obstacles. Leftover pavers are handy for future repairs.
How deep should the base be for a paver driveway?
Belgard's base installation guide calls for 8 to 12 inches of compacted gravel base for residential driveways, compared with 4 to 6 inches for patios and walkways, plus about 1 inch of bedding sand. Compact it in lifts no thicker than 4 to 6 inches, and have a pro confirm the base design for a driveway.
How much wider than the pavers should the base be?
The CMHA guide specification calls for the base to extend beyond the edge restraint's spikes by at least the thickness of the base, capped at 10 inches. For a 12 x 10 ft patio on a 4 in base, that makes the base about 12.67 x 10.67 ft, or 135.1 sq ft, which needs 1.67 cubic yards instead of 1.48.
How many feet of paver edging do I need?
44 linear feet for a 12 × 10 ft patio with all four sides open: 2 × (12 + 10). Leave out any side that butts against the house, so 32 ft if a 12 ft side does. In 8 ft pieces such as Snap Edge, 44 ft is 6 pieces, held with a spike every 18 to 24 inches on a patio (22 to 30 spikes) or every foot on a driveway (44 spikes), plus extra at corners and curves.
What kind of sand goes under pavers?
The CMHA specification calls for washed, clean bedding sand meeting the ASTM C33 grading, screeded to a nominal 1 inch. Joint sand between the pavers is a separate purchase.
Sources
- Belgard: Installing the Best Paver Base for Concrete and Porcelain Pavers
- CMHA: Pavers on Aggregate Base, Guide Specification (PDF)
- Pavestone Holland 7.87 × 3.94 in Concrete Paver, 480 pieces / 103 sq ft pallet (product listing)
- The Home Depot: How to Install Patio Pavers
- Select Sand & Gravel: How Much Does a Yard of Crushed Stone Weigh?
- Belgard: Technical Resource Guide (PDF)
- QUIKRETE: Paver Installation (bag charts, PDF)
- Pavestone 0.5 cu ft Paver Base, 64 bags / 32 cu ft pallet (product listing)
- U.S. Marine Corps: Estimating for Mission Requirements (lesson NCOO-A04, PDF)
- SEK-Surebond: Snap Edge Technical Data Sheet (PDF)
- QUIKRETE: Jointing Sands (news release, PDF)
- Alliance Gator: Gator Super Sand Bond Technical Data Sheet (PDF)
Spot an error? Tell us.