Paver Calculator: How Many Pavers Do I Need?
Find out how many pavers you need for a patio or walkway, along with the base gravel, bedding sand, joint sand and edging to order.
A 12 × 12 ft patio (144 sq ft) of 4×8 inch pavers with 1/4 inch joints needs about 650 pavers with 10% waste, around 4.1 pavers per square foot, set over a 4–6 inch compacted gravel base and 1 inch of bedding sand.
Your numbers
Result
How to calculate the number of pavers
Divide the area you want to cover by the area of one paver (including its joint), then add an allowance for cuts and breakage.
Pavers per square foot
| Paver size | Pavers per sq ft (1/4 in joint) | Pavers for 100 sq ft (+10%) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 × 8 in | 4.11 | 452 |
| 6 × 6 in | 3.69 | 406 |
| 6 × 9 in | 2.49 | 274 |
| 12 × 12 in | 0.96 | 106 |
| 12 × 18 in | 0.64 | 71 |
| 16 × 16 in | 0.55 | 60 |
| 24 × 24 in | 0.24 | 27 |
Waste by pattern
Straight (stack or running bond) patterns need about 5% extra. Basket weave and 90° herringbone need about 10%, and 45° herringbone or circular patterns 15% or more because of the extra cuts.
The base is what makes it last
A paver patio is only as good as what is under it. A typical build is 4–6 inches of compacted gravel base, a 1-inch layer of coarse bedding sand, then the pavers, with polymeric sand swept into the joints. For driveways increase the base to 8–12 inches. Edge restraints stop the outer pavers from spreading.
The gravel and sand figures above include a 10% allowance for compaction. Use the gravel calculator and sand calculator to adjust depth or price.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers are in a square foot?
It depends on the size. A standard 4 × 8 in brick paver needs about 4 pavers per square foot including joints; a 12 × 12 in paver needs about 0.96.
How much extra paver should I buy?
Buy 5% extra for simple patterns, 10% for basket weave or herringbone, and 15% for 45° herringbone or curves. Keep a few spares for future repairs.
How thick should the sand layer be?
Use about 1 inch of coarse concrete sand for bedding. Thicker layers can settle unevenly.
How deep should the gravel base be for a paver patio?
4–6 inches of compacted crushed stone for patios and walkways, and 8–12 inches for driveways.
How many pavers for a 12×12 patio?
A 144 sq ft patio of 4×8 in pavers needs about 620 pavers at 5% waste, or about 650 at 10%.
Do I need an edge restraint?
Yes. Plastic or aluminum edging, or a concrete border, stops the outer pavers from spreading over time.
How much polymeric sand do I need?
A 50-lb bag covers roughly 40–100 sq ft depending on joint width and paver size; the estimate here uses 50 sq ft per bag, so check your product.
Can I lay pavers directly on soil?
No — without a compacted base they settle, heave and shift. Always prepare a gravel base.
Sources and further reading
- Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute — ICPI: paver, base and bedding guidance
- Silica, crystalline (cutting concrete, block, brick and stone) — U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
These references support the general guidance on this page. The calculator applies the standard formulas shown above to the numbers you enter.
Related calculators
. Estimates only. Always confirm quantities with your supplier or a qualified contractor before ordering, and add extra for waste and site conditions.