Last updated: August 17, 2026
Paver Calculator
Pavers are sold by the piece, but your project is measured in square feet. This calculator converts your patio or walkway dimensions into the exact number of pavers needed — plus sand and gravel base quantities for a complete installation.
Quick Reference
Paver Sizes Compared
Standard paver sizes vary by manufacturer, but these five are the most common for residential patios, walkways, and driveways:
| Size (inches) | Sq Ft per Paver | Pavers per ft² | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 x 8 | 0.222 | 4.5 | Patios, walkways (most popular) |
| 6 x 6 | 0.250 | 4.0 | Small patios, accents |
| 6 x 9 | 0.375 | 2.67 | Patios, driveways |
| 8 x 8 | 0.444 | 2.25 | Large patios, driveways |
| 12 x 12 | 1.000 | 1.0 | Large format, modern designs |
How to Use This Calculator
Step 1: Enter your patio or walkway dimensions — length and width in feet.
Step 2: Select your paver size from the dropdown. The 4x8 inch brick is the most common residential paver.
Step 3: Adjust sand depth (1 inch recommended) and gravel base depth (6 inches for patios, 4 for walkways, 8 for driveways).
Step 4: Enter pricing per paver, per ton of sand, and per ton of gravel. The calculator shows a complete cost breakdown.
Step 5: Results show total pavers needed (with waste), sand and gravel quantities in tons, and total estimated cost.
Paver Installation Formula
The calculator uses standard industry formulas for paver projects:
- Area (ft²) = Length (ft) x Width (ft)
- Pavers Needed = Area / Paver Coverage x (1 + Waste%)
- Sand (tons) = Area x (Depth in inches / 12) x 100 / 2,000
- Gravel (tons) = Area x (Depth in inches / 12) x 100 / 2,000
- Total Cost = (Pavers x Price) + (Sand Tons x Price) + (Gravel Tons x Price)
Sand density is 100 lbs/ft³ (typical for concrete sand bedding). Gravel density is 100 lbs/ft³ (typical for crushed stone base).
Worked Example: 10x10 Patio
Let us calculate materials for a 10 ft x 10 ft patio using 4x8 inch pavers with 1 inch sand and 6 inches gravel base:
Step 1: Calculate area and pavers:
Pavers = 100 / 0.222 x 1.10 = 496 pavers
Step 2: Calculate sand:
Sand Tons = 8.33 x 100 / 2,000 = 0.42 tons
Step 3: Calculate gravel base:
Gravel Tons = 50 x 100 / 2,000 = 2.50 tons
Step 4: Calculate cost at $0.50/paver, $35/ton sand, $40/ton gravel:
Sand: 0.42 x $35 = $14.70
Gravel: 2.50 x $40 = $100.00
Total: $362.70
Tips and Common Mistakes
Best Practices
- Compact gravel in lifts — Compact in 2-inch lifts for maximum stability.
- Use edge restraints — Plastic or aluminum edging prevents paver spreading.
- Level the sand bed — Use screed rails and a straight board for perfectly level sand.
- Order 10% extra — Cuts and breakage happen. Extra pavers are cheaper than a second order.
- Sweep joint sand — Fill gaps with polymeric sand to lock pavers in place.
Avoid This
- Skiing the gravel base: Skipping or thinning the gravel base causes pavers to sink and shift.
- Using too much sand: More than 1 inch of sand bedding allows pavers to rock.
- Ignoring drainage: Pavers should slope 1/4 inch per foot away from your home.
- Walking on fresh pavers: Stay off newly laid pavers for 24 hours.
- Skipping compaction: Vibrating plate compactor is essential for long-term stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a 10x10 ft patio (100 sq ft) using standard 4x8 inch pavers, you need about 450 pavers before waste. Each 4x8 paver covers 0.222 sq ft, so 100 sq ft divided by 0.222 equals 450 pavers. Add 5-10% for cuts and waste.
You need 1 inch of concrete sand as a bedding layer on top of the gravel base. For 100 sq ft, that is about 0.31 cubic yards or roughly 0.4 tons of sand.
For walkways, use 4 inches of compacted gravel base. For patios and driveways, use 6 inches. For a 100 sq ft patio at 6 inches deep, you need about 1.85 cubic yards or roughly 2.5 tons of gravel base.
Standard concrete brick pavers are the most affordable at $0.25-$0.50 per paver. Basic concrete pavers in gray or tan colors cost $2-$4 per square foot installed. Premium pavers like natural stone or interlocking concrete can cost $4-$10 per square foot.
Yes, you can install pavers over existing concrete if it is in good condition with no major cracks. The concrete must be level and stable. Use a thin layer of sand (1 inch) over the concrete, then lay pavers. However, a proper gravel base is always recommended for best results.