Paver Calculator
Work out pavers, base stone, sand, and cost for a patio or walkway — with a waste allowance and DIY comparison.
How to calculate pavers
Pavers are counted per square foot, then rounded up for cuts and breakage. Base stone and sand are calculated by volume and converted to tons.
Pavers = area × (144 ÷ paver width × paver height) × (1 + waste). Base tons = area × depth ÷ 12 ÷ 27 × 1.4. Sand tons = area × depth ÷ 12 ÷ 27 × 1.35.
Example: a 12 × 12 patio with 6 × 9 pavers, 6 inches of base, and 1 inch of sand. The area is 144 sq ft; the paver count is 423 with 10% waste; the base is about 3.7 tons; the sand is about 0.6 tons.
Pavers per square foot
| Paver size | Pavers per sq ft | Pavers for 100 sq ft | Pavers for 144 sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 8 in | 4.5 | 450 | 648 |
| 6 × 6 in | 4.0 | 400 | 576 |
| 6 × 9 in | 2.67 | 267 | 384 |
| 12 × 12 in | 1.0 | 100 | 144 |
Before waste. Add 5–10% for cuts, edges, and breakage.
Paver patio cost
| Size | Square feet | Installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 | 100 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| 12 × 12 | 144 | $2,200–$4,300 |
| 16 × 20 | 320 | $4,800–$9,600 |
| 20 × 20 | 400 | $6,000–$12,000 |
Concrete pavers, base, sand, and standard labor. Natural stone and complex patterns cost more.
Paver types and material cost
| Type | Material per sq ft | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete pavers | $3–$8 | Patios, walkways, driveways |
| Clay brick | $6–$12 | Traditional patios and paths |
| Natural stone | $8–$20 | Premium patios, irregular shapes |
| Permeable pavers | $5–$12 | Drainage-sensitive sites |
Base and sand depth
- Patio or walkway: 4–6 inches of compacted base.
- Driveway: 6–8 inches of compacted base.
- Bedding sand: 1 inch, screeded flat.
- Joint sand: polymeric sand for most patios; stabilize and sweep in.
- Slope: keep at least 1–2% away from the house.
DIY vs. professional
Laying pavers is satisfying; base prep is the part that decides whether the patio lasts. You need excavation, geotextile, compacted lifts, and a accurate screed. If the base is soft or the slope is wrong, the surface will move. Professionals typically charge $8–$15 per square foot for labor.
Before you order
- Confirm the paver size and pattern; herringbone and basketweave waste more.
- Add 10% for cuts, especially on curves and borders.
- Order base and sand separately; do not use the same stone for both.
- Check delivery access and the weight of a pallet.
- Plan drainage and edge restraints before the first paver goes down.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need per square foot?
It depends on the paver size. A 6x9 in paver covers 0.375 sq ft, so you need about 2.67 pavers per square foot. A 12x12 paver needs 1 per sq ft, a 6x6 needs 4, and a 4x8 needs 4.5.
How much base gravel goes under pavers?
Use 4 to 6 inches of compacted base for patios and walkways, and 6 to 8 inches for driveways. The base is usually #57 or #411 stone, compacted in 2-inch lifts.
How much sand goes under pavers?
A 1-inch bedding layer is standard. For 100 sq ft, that is about 0.31 cubic yards or 0.42 tons of sand. Use coarse bedding sand, not play sand, and finish with polymeric sand in the joints.
How much does a paver patio cost?
A paver patio typically costs $15 to $30 per square foot installed, including base, sand, pavers, and labor. A 12x12 patio runs about $2,200 to $4,300; a 20x20 patio runs $6,000 to $12,000.
Can I install pavers myself?
Yes, but base preparation is the hard part. You need to excavate, grade, compact in lifts, and keep the slope away from the house. If the base is wrong, the pavers will shift within a season.
How many pavers for a 12x12 patio?
With 6x9 pavers and a 10% waste allowance, a 144 sq ft patio needs about 423 pavers. With 12x12 pavers, it needs about 159. Always round up and keep a few spares for cuts.