Patio Calculator

Calculate pavers, sand, gravel, and edge restraint for your patio project. Works for concrete pavers, natural stone, and brick.

🪨 Enter Your Patio Dimensions

Space between pavers for polymeric sand

Planning your budget?

Read the full Patio Cost Guide 2026

→

Related Tools

All ToolsPaver CalculatorConcrete CalculatorAI Patio Design

How to Calculate Patio Pavers

Our patio calculator helps you estimate pavers, sand, gravel, and edge restraint for your paver patio project. Accurate calculations help you order the right amount of materials and avoid costly shortages or overages.

Common Paver Sizes

  • 6" x 6": Small accent pavers, borders
  • 12" x 12": Most popular size, easy to install
  • 16" x 16": Good for larger patios, fewer joints
  • 24" x 24": Modern look, requires sturdy base

Patio Base Requirements

A proper patio base typically includes 4-6 inches of compacted gravel topped with 1 inch of bedding sand. This creates a stable, well-draining foundation that prevents settling and heaving.

Edge Restraint Options

Edge restraint keeps pavers from shifting outward over time. Options include plastic paver edging, aluminum edging, concrete borders, or existing structures like house foundations or retaining walls.

Frequently asked questions

How many pavers do I need for a 12x12 patio?⌄
A 12x12 patio (144 sq ft) needs about 158 12x12 inch pavers including 10% waste, or roughly 70 16x16 inch pavers. Larger pavers cover the same area with fewer pieces and fewer joints to fill.
How deep should I excavate for a paver patio?⌄
Excavate 7 to 8 inches: 4 to 6 inches for the compacted gravel base, 1 inch for bedding sand, plus the thickness of the paver itself (typically 2-3 inches). The finished surface should sit slightly above grade.
How much does a patio cost per square foot in 2026?⌄
In 2026, an installed patio typically costs $8 to $35 per square foot depending on material. Poured concrete runs $8-$15, concrete pavers $12-$25, and natural stone like flagstone or travertine $20-$35 per square foot installed.
Do I need gravel under a paver patio?⌄
Yes. A 4 to 6 inch compacted gravel base is essential. It distributes loads, drains water away from the pavers, and prevents settling and frost heave. Skipping the gravel base is the most common cause of wavy, sunken patios.
What is the best base for a paver patio?⌄
The proven combination is 4 to 6 inches of compacted crushed stone (3/4 inch minus) topped with 1 inch of screeded concrete sand. Compact the crushed stone in 2 inch lifts, and never use more than 1 inch of bedding sand.

See What Your New Patio Could Look Like

Upload a photo and visualize your patio design and outdoor space with AI

Try AI Design Tool