How many pavers do I need?
Work out how many pavers cover one square foot, multiply by the area, then add extra for cuts. Pavers are sold by the piece, the square foot or the pallet, so the piece count is the number to check against the supplier's quote.
Pavers = area (sq ft) × 144 ÷ (paver width × paver length in inches) × (1 + extra %)
A 12 × 12 ft patio in 4 × 8 in brick pavers: 144 × 144 ÷ 32 = 648 pavers. With 5% for cuts that's 681. Under it you need about 3.1 tons of crushed stone base at 4 inches (order 3.5), 0.69 tons of bedding sand at 1 inch (order 1), and 3 bags of polymeric sand.
The calculator uses each paver's nominal size. Most pavers are a little smaller so the joint fits inside that size, which means the count already allows for joints.
Pavers per square foot
| Paver size | Pavers per sq ft | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 4 × 8 in | 4.5 | Brick-style patios, walks, driveways |
| 6 × 6 in | 4 | Patios, borders |
| 6 × 9 in | 2.67 | Patios and walks |
| 12 × 12 in | 1 | Patios, stepping areas |
| 16 × 16 in | 0.56 | Patios, pool decks |
| 24 × 24 in | 0.25 | Large-format patios |
For a size not listed, choose "Custom size" and enter the width and length in inches. For a kit of mixed sizes, use the square footage on the pallet or the manufacturer's coverage instead.
Brick paver calculator
Brick pavers are 4 × 8 in nominal, 4.5 per square foot. A running bond or basket weave pattern needs about 5% extra. Herringbone needs about 10%, because every edge piece is cut on an angle. The same 12 × 12 ft patio in herringbone takes 713 pavers.
Patio paver calculator
Patios are usually laid with larger pavers. A 12 × 12 ft patio takes 152 pavers at 12 × 12 in or 86 at 16 × 16 in, each with 5% extra. Large pavers need a flat, well-compacted base, because any dip shows across the whole slab.
How many bags of paver base do I need?
Bagged paver base usually comes in 0.5 cu ft bags. Multiply the area by the depth in feet, add about 15% for compaction, and divide by 0.5. A 100 sq ft walk with 4 inches of base needs 77 bags. At 6 inches it needs 115 bags. Above about a ton, bulk crushed stone is usually far cheaper and easier to move.
| Layer | Typical depth | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Base, patios and walks | 4–6 in compacted | Crushed stone with fines (crusher run, road base, paver base) |
| Base, driveways | 8–12 in compacted | Same, compacted in 2–4 in lifts |
| Bedding | 1 in, screeded | Coarse concrete sand |
| Joints | Full depth of the joint | Polymeric sand or joint sand |
Clay and wet soils typically need the deeper base. Follow the paver manufacturer's installation guide for your soil and use.
Polymeric sand and edging
A 50 lb bag of polymeric sand covers very different areas depending on the paver size and joint width: small pavers with many joints use far more than large slabs. 40–75 sq ft per bag is a reasonable starting point for narrow joints on small pavers. Check the coverage chart on the bag and enter that number. Edge restraint goes on every edge that isn't held by a wall, curb or step, usually spiked every 12 inches.
Pricing a paver job
Hardscapers usually price pavers per square foot installed, built up from material at cost plus markup, delivery, and labor for excavation, base compaction, laying, cutting and sanding. Excavation and base prep often take as long as laying. Set your own production rate in contractor mode, then send it as a landscaping estimate.
Questions
How many 4 × 8 pavers are in a square foot?
4.5. A 4 × 8 in paver covers 32 square inches, and a square foot is 144 square inches.
How many bags of paver base do I need for 100 sq ft?
At 4 inches deep with 15% extra for compaction, about 77 bags of 0.5 cu ft. At 6 inches, about 115 bags.
How deep should the base be under pavers?
Typically 4–6 inches of compacted crushed stone for patios and walks, and 8–12 inches for driveways, plus 1 inch of bedding sand.
How much polymeric sand do I need?
It depends on paver size and joint width. For narrow joints on small pavers, a 50 lb bag typically covers 40–75 sq ft. Larger pavers with fewer joints go further. Use the chart on the bag.
How much extra should I order for pavers?
About 5% for straight patterns like running bond, and about 10% for herringbone, diagonal layouts and curved edges.