How many pavers per square foot?

Depends on size. 4x8 inch pavers: ~4.5/sq ft. 12x12: 1/sq ft.

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Patio Paver Calculator

Calculate how many pavers you need plus sand, gravel, and edge restraint. Choose your pattern for accurate waste estimates.

Quick Answer

Divide patio area (sq inches) by paver area (sq inches) to get count. A 12×10 ft patio with 8×4" pavers needs about 540 pavers + 5–10% waste depending on pattern.

Patio Dimensions (feet)

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Paver Size (inches)

Paver Length

Paver Width

Laying Pattern

Results

567

Total Pavers

1.9T

Gravel (4" base)

0.5T

Sand (1" bed)

Polymeric Sand Bags

Area: 120 sq ft | Base pavers: 540 | +5% waste = 567 pavers

Edge restraint needed: 44 linear feet

About This Tool

The Patio Paver Calculator determines exactly how many pavers you need, plus the base materials required for a professional installation. Different laying patterns require different amounts of cutting, which affects waste. The calculator accounts for this automatically.

Base Material Requirements

A proper paver patio needs a 4–6 inch compacted gravel base and a 1-inch sand setting bed. The calculator estimates gravel and sand in tons based on your patio dimensions. Skipping the base leads to settling and uneven pavers within a year or two.

Pattern Selection Guide

Running bond is the simplest pattern with minimal cuts (5% waste). Herringbone is the strongest for driveways but requires the most cuts (10% waste). Basketweave and pinwheel patterns fall in between. The pattern you choose affects both appearance and the number of pavers needed.

Edge Restraint

Edge restraint is essential to prevent pavers from shifting outward over time. Options include plastic paver edging, aluminum edging, or concrete borders. The calculator shows the linear footage needed for your patio perimeter.

Polymeric Sand

Polymeric sand fills the joints between pavers and hardens when wet. It prevents weed growth and insect infiltration. One 50-pound bag typically covers about 60 square feet with standard joint widths. Apply after all pavers are laid and compacted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pavers do I need per square foot?

It depends on paver size. Standard 4x8 inch pavers need about 4.5 per square foot. 6x6 inch pavers need 4 per square foot. 12x12 inch pavers need 1 per square foot.

How deep should the gravel base be?

4 inches for patios and walkways, 6-8 inches for driveways. The gravel should be compacted in 2-inch layers. Use 3/4-inch crushed stone with fines for the best compaction.

Can I lay pavers on dirt?

Not recommended. Pavers laid directly on dirt will settle unevenly within months. A proper gravel base and sand bed are essential for a patio that stays level and drains properly.

How much do pavers cost?

Concrete pavers: $3-6 per square foot. Brick pavers: $5-10 per square foot. Natural stone: $10-30 per square foot. Installation labor adds $5-10 per square foot.

Should I order extra pavers?

Yes. The waste percentages in this calculator cover cutting losses, but keep 5-10% extra on hand for future repairs. Colors can vary between production batches, so buy all pavers at once.

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