Our Paver Calculator tells you how many pavers to buy for your patio or walkway, plus how much sand bedding and gravel base material you’ll need underneath — enter your area and paver size to get started.
Paver Calculator
Paver Calculator Formula
Pavers Needed = (Area ÷ Paver Area) × (1 + Waste %)
Where Area is your patio/walkway length × width in square feet, and Paver Area is each paver’s length × width converted to square feet. Always add 5-10% waste for cuts around edges and curves.
What Goes Under Pavers?
A proper paver installation isn’t just pavers on dirt — it needs a compacted gravel base (typically 4-6 inches) for drainage and stability, topped with a 1-inch sand bedding layer that the pavers are set into and leveled on.
Standard Paver Sizes
| Paver Type | Typical Size |
|---|---|
| Standard concrete paver | 12″ × 12″ |
| Brick paver | 4″ × 8″ |
| Large patio slab | 24″ × 24″ |
| Cobblestone-style | 6″ × 6″ |
Tips for Laying Pavers
- Compact the gravel base in layers (2 inches at a time) rather than all at once — this prevents settling and shifting later.
- Use edge restraints along the perimeter to stop pavers from spreading apart over time.
- Order 5-10% extra for cuts, especially with curved patios or walkways where waste is higher than on simple rectangles.
- Sweep polymeric sand into joints after laying to lock pavers together and reduce weed growth.
FAQs
How many pavers do I need for a 10×10 patio?
For 12×12 inch pavers, a 10×10 ft (100 sq ft) patio needs 100 pavers plus 5-10% waste, so roughly 105-110 pavers.
How thick should the gravel base be under pavers?
4 inches is standard for foot-traffic patios and walkways; driveways carrying vehicle weight typically need 6-8 inches of compacted gravel base.
Do I need sand under pavers?
Yes — a 1-inch bedding layer of coarse sand sits between the gravel base and the pavers, allowing each paver to be leveled precisely.
Can I lay pavers directly on dirt?
No — without a compacted gravel base, pavers will sink, shift and become uneven within a season or two, especially in areas with freeze-thaw cycles or poor drainage.