# Paver Calculator

> Enter the patio size, pick the paver size and set the waste. You get the number of pavers and pallets, the gravel base and bedding sand in cubic yards, and the edge restraint length. A 20 × 15 ft patio of 4 × 8 in pavers needs about 1,485 with 10% waste.

Canonical: https://receiptscanner.co/tools/paver-calculator
Updated: 2026-10-28 · Sources re-checked by: 2027-10-28

This is a free interactive calculator that runs in the browser. Nothing you type is stored or sent. Results are estimates.

## How it works

Area = length × width (or π × radius² for a circle). Each paver covers its own size plus half the joint on each side: (length + joint) × (width + joint) in square inches. Pavers = area × 144 ÷ that, plus the waste percent, rounded up. Base = area × depth ÷ 12 ÷ 27 cubic yards. Bedding sand uses the same formula with the sand depth. Base weight = cubic yards × 3,374 lb ÷ 2,000 (dense graded aggregate, approximate). Edge restraint = the perimeter. Waste is 10% for straight patterns and often more, about 15%, for diagonal patterns or curves.

**Pavers for 100 square feet, with no joint and no waste**

| Paver size | Per piece | Pavers per 100 sq ft |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 4 × 8 in (brick) | 0.222 sq ft | 450 |
| 6 × 6 in | 0.25 sq ft | 400 |
| 6 × 9 in | 0.375 sq ft | 267 |
| 12 × 12 in | 1 sq ft | 100 |
| 12 × 24 in | 2 sq ft | 50 |
| 16 × 16 in | 1.778 sq ft | 57 |

**Base and bedding sand for 100 square feet**

| Depth | Cubic yards | Cubic feet |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 in | 0.31 | 8.3 |
| 2 in | 0.62 | 16.7 |
| 4 in | 1.23 | 33.3 |
| 6 in | 1.85 | 50 |

## Worked example: a 20 × 15 ft patio of 4 × 8 in pavers

1. Area: 20 × 15 = 300 square feet. A 4 × 8 in paver is 32 square inches.
2. Pavers: 300 × 144 ÷ 32 = 1,350. With 10% waste: 1,485.
3. Pallets: if a pallet holds 400, 1,485 ÷ 400 rounds up to 4.
4. Base, 4 in deep: 300 × 4 ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = 3.7 cubic yards, about 6.2 tons.
5. Bedding sand, 1 in deep: 0.93 cubic yards. Edge restraint: 70 ft around the edge.

## FAQ

### How many pavers do I need?
Divide the area by the area one paver covers, joint included, and add waste. For a 4 × 8 in paver that is 4.5 pavers per square foot. This calculator does it and rounds up.

### How much waste should I allow for pavers?
About 10% for straight patterns and often 15% for diagonal layouts, curves and many cuts. It is cheaper to order a little extra than to match a different batch later.

### How deep should the base be under pavers?
A patio or walkway often uses a compacted gravel base of about 4 to 6 in, and a driveway needs more. Follow the paver maker's instructions or the ICPI guidance for your soil and traffic, and enter that depth.

### How much bedding sand do I need?
A layer of about 1 in is common under pavers. Multiply the area by the depth in feet and divide by 27 to get cubic yards. This calculator does the same.

### Do I need edge restraint?
Yes. An edge restraint keeps the pavers from spreading sideways. The length is the perimeter of the paved area, apart from sides against a wall or curb.

### How do I count pavers for a circle?
Use π × radius² for the area, then follow the same steps. Add more waste, since curved edges mean more cut pieces.

## Sources

- [Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI): installation guidance for base, bedding sand and edge restraint](https://www.icpi.org/) (checked 2026-10-28)
- [CalculatorSoup gravel calculator: densities used for the base weight](https://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculators/construction/gravel-calculator.php) (checked 2026-10-28)

This calculator is an estimate for planning. Base depth and materials depend on the soil, drainage and use, so follow the paver maker's installation guide and your supplier's advice before you order.