Hardscaping & Landscaping
Paver Calculator
Calculate exactly how many pavers or bricks you need for your patio, walkway, or driveway. This tool also estimates the required volume and weight for the gravel base and bedding sand. Choose from standard paver sizes or enter custom dimensions in metric or imperial units.
Paver Calculator
Estimate pavers, gravel base, and bedding sand
Project Area Shape
Standard Paver Sizes
Results
Enter dimensions above to calculate
Paver Cross-Section Diagram
A durable paver installation relies on a proper foundation: compacted subgrade, crushed gravel base, a thin sand setting bed, and polymeric sand joints.
How the Calculations Work
1. Project Area
Determine the total square footage (or square metres) of your patio, walkway, or driveway. If the shape is complex, break it down into smaller rectangles, calculate their individual areas, and add them together.
2. Pavers Needed
Calculate the effective area of a single paver by adding the joint width (usually 1/8" to 1/4" or 3-5mm) to both its length and width. Divide the total project area by this single paver area. Finally, add a waste allowance—typically 5% for simple layouts, or 10-15% for complex shapes with lots of cutting.
3. Gravel Base Volume
The gravel base (often dense-grade aggregate) provides the structural foundation. Walkways and patios typically need 4 to 6 inches (100-150mm), while driveways require 8 to 12 inches (200-300mm). Multiply your area by this depth. Remember to order 15-20% extra to account for compaction when using a plate compactor.
4. Bedding Sand Volume
A uniform layer of bedding sand (usually 1 inch or 25mm thick) sits directly under the pavers. It allows for minor leveling adjustments and locks the pavers in place when compacted. Do not use stone dust or masonry sand; concrete sand is best.
Worked Example
Backyard Patio: 20 ft long by 15 ft wide. Using 8" x 4" brick pavers, a 4" gravel base, 1" sand bed, and 10% waste.
💡 Pro tip
When excavating, make sure to dig deep enough for all layers to sit flush with or slightly above the surrounding grade. Total depth = Paver Thickness + Sand Bed (1") + Gravel Base (e.g. 4"). Ensure your base extends 6 inches beyond the paved area on all sides to properly secure the edge restraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many pavers do I need for a 10x10 patio?
- A 10x10 patio is 100 square feet. If you are using 4"x8" pavers (which cover about 4.5 pavers per square foot), you need exactly 450 pavers. Adding a standard 10% waste factor, you should order 495 pavers.
- How deep should the gravel base be for pavers?
- For pedestrian walkways and patios, a 4 to 6 inch (100-150mm) compacted gravel base is standard. For vehicular traffic like driveways, you need a minimum of 8 to 12 inches (200-300mm) depending on your soil type and vehicle weight.
- Can I use sand instead of gravel for the base?
- No. Sand alone cannot support the weight and will wash away or shift over time, causing the pavers to sink. You must use a compacted gravel base (crushed stone with fines) for structural support, topped with only 1 inch of bedding sand.
- What kind of sand goes between the paver joints?
- Polymeric sand is highly recommended for jointing. It contains binding agents that harden when activated with water, which prevents weed growth, deters insects, and resists washing out during heavy rain.
- How much waste should I account for?
- Standard waste is 5% to 10%. Use 5% if you have a simple rectangular shape with minimal cutting. Use 10% for curves, diagonal patterns (like herringbone), or irregular shapes. Order up to 15% extra for highly complex custom shapes.