How to calculate pavers
- Find the area. Length × width for a square patio, or π × radius² for a round one.
- Find the face area of one paver. A 4 × 8 in paver covers 32 sq in, so 4.5 pavers per square foot.
- Divide, then add extra for edge cuts: about 5% for running bond, 10% for herringbone and 15% for circles and curves.
Worked example: a 12 × 12 ft patio with 4 × 8 in pavers
144 sq ft × 4.5 pavers per sq ft = 648 pavers. With 5% extra that is 680.4, so buy 681.
What goes under the pavers
Pavers last only as long as the base under them. A typical build-up, from the bottom:
| Layer | Patio or walkway | Driveway |
|---|---|---|
| Compacted crushed stone base | 4–6 in (10–15 cm) | 8–12 in (20–30 cm) |
| Bedding sand, screeded flat | About 1 in (2.5 cm) | About 1 in (2.5 cm) |
| Pavers | 2⅜ in (60 mm) is common | 3⅛ in (80 mm) is common |
To price the base and bedding layers on their own, use the gravel calculator and the sand calculator. Compact the base in layers of about 2–4 in with a plate compactor. Clay or poorly draining soil may need a deeper base or geotextile fabric.
Edging and joints
Edge restraint keeps the outer pavers from creeping. The calculator measures the whole perimeter, so subtract any side that butts against the house or a wall. Fill the joints with polymeric or jointing sand after laying; coverage depends on the joint width and paver shape, so check the bag.
Buying tip
Pavers are often sold by the pallet. A partial pallet may cost more per piece, so compare your count with the pallet size before ordering.