How Much Do I Need?

Paver Calculator

How many pavers do I need?

Enter the area to pave and the size of one paver. The calculator counts the pavers, allowing for joints and cuts, and works out the compacted base and bedding sand that go underneath.

Units
Area to pave

For L-shaped or irregular spaces, split them into rectangles and add each one.

Pavers

Interlocking pavers usually have narrow sand joints of about 1/8 in (3 mm).

About 5% for straight edges; 10–15% for curves, borders and herringbone.

Base and sand

Often 4–6 in (10–15 cm) for patios and paths, deeper for driveways. Enter 0 to skip.

Usually about 1 in (2.5–3 cm). Enter 0 to skip.

Cost (optional)

Add the price to see an estimated total.

Results update as you type.

Your estimate

Pavers to buy

542 pavers

For 120 ft², including 5% waste.

Estimated amount to buy

Pavers
542
Base gravel (compacted volume)
1.5 yd³
Bedding sand
0.5 yd³

Calculated quantity (no waste)

Area to pave
120 ft²
Pavers
515.58
Base volume
1.48 yd³ (40 ft³)
Sand volume
0.37 yd³ (10 ft³)
How this was calculated
  1. Area = 12 ft × 10 ft = 120 ft²
  2. Space per paver = (8 in + 0.125 in) × (4 in + 0.125 in) = 33.52 in²
  3. Pavers = 120 ft² (17,280 in²) ÷ 33.52 in² = 515.58
  4. With 5% waste = 515.58 × 1.05 = 541.36, rounded up to 542
  5. Base = 120 ft² × 4 in = 1.48 yd³ (40 ft³); 1.49 yd³ rounded up to 1.5 yd³
  6. Sand = 120 ft² × 1 in = 0.37 yd³ (10 ft³); 0.38 yd³ rounded up to 0.5 yd³
  • Base material shrinks when it is compacted, so you need more loose gravel than the compacted volume shown. Ask your supplier how much to order for your compacted depth.
  • Jointing sand, edge restraints and a weed membrane are extra.

How the paver calculation works

  1. Area = length × width. Add rectangles for L-shaped patios or paths.
  2. Space per paver = (paver length + joint) × (paver width + joint).
  3. Pavers = area ÷ space per paver, plus the waste allowance, rounded up.
  4. Base and bedding sand = area × depth for each layer.

What goes under pavers

Pavers are usually laid on a compacted base of crushed stone, then a thin, level bed of sharp sand. The base spreads the load and drains water, so its depth depends on use and ground conditions: a few inches for a garden path, more for a patio, and more again for a driveway that carries cars. The volumes here are for the finished, compacted layers. Loose material settles when compacted, so order more than the compacted volume.

Rounding rules

  • Pavers are rounded up to whole pavers after the waste allowance. Pavers are often sold by the square foot, metre or pallet, so round up again to your supplier's unit.
  • Base and sand are rounded up to the next 0.25 yd³ or 0.25 m³.