How to use this calculator
- Choose the shape of the area, or enter a total area you already know.
- Enter the paver length and width in inches. A common brick-style paver is 8 by 4 inches.
- Set the compacted base depth. Walkways often use about 4 inches, patios 4 to 6, and driveways considerably more.
- Keep the sand bedding depth at about 1 inch, then read the quantities.
How the numbers are calculated
Pavers per square foot is 144 divided by the face area of one paver in square inches. Multiplying by the area and adding a cutting allowance gives the number of pavers to buy.
Base gravel and sand are volumes: area times depth in feet, divided by 27 for cubic yards. Gravel weight uses about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Because base material is compacted, ordering slightly more than the figure shown avoids shortfalls.
Worked example
A 10 ft by 10 ft patio is 100 sq ft. With 8 by 4 inch pavers that is 4.5 pavers per square foot, or 450 pavers. Adding 10% for cuts gives 495. A 4 inch base needs 1.23 cubic yards of gravel (about 1.7 tons) and a 1 inch sand layer needs 0.31 cubic yards.
Tips before you buy
- Excavate to the depth of base, sand and paver thickness together so the finished surface sits where you want it.
- Compact the base in layers. A plate compactor makes a big difference to how long the surface stays flat.
- Slope the surface slightly away from buildings, commonly about a quarter inch per foot, so water drains.
- Install edge restraints to stop the pavers from creeping outward.
- Order pavers from one batch and mix from several pallets as you lay them to blend color variation.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers are in a square foot?
It depends on the size. An 8 by 4 inch paver gives 4.5 per square foot, a 6 by 9 inch paver about 2.7, and a 12 by 12 inch paver exactly 1.
How deep should the base be under pavers?
Walkways commonly use around 4 inches of compacted base, patios 4 to 6 inches, and driveways much more. Soil and climate matter, so check local guidance.
How thick should the sand layer be?
About 1 inch of coarse bedding sand is typical. A thicker layer can lead to settling.
How many extra pavers should I buy?
Ten percent covers cuts on a simple layout. Use 15% for curves or diagonal patterns.
Related calculators
These results are estimates for planning purposes. Material sizes, densities and local requirements vary, so confirm quantities with your supplier or a qualified contractor before ordering.
Last updated October 11, 2026.