Paver Calculator

Calculate pavers, gravel base, bedding sand, and polymeric sand for your patio or walkway project. Works for concrete, brick, and stone pavers.

🧱 Enter Your Patio Dimensions

4 x 8 in is the most common paver size

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Read the full Patio Cost Guide 2026

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How to Calculate Pavers

Our paver calculator estimates the pavers, gravel base, bedding sand, and polymeric sand needed for your patio or walkway. Multiply the patio length by the width to get square footage, divide by the footprint of your paver, and add 10% extra for cuts, breakage, and pattern waste.

Base and Sand Layers Explained

  • Gravel Base: 4-6 inches of compacted crushed stone provides drainage and prevents settling
  • Bedding Sand: A 1-inch layer of coarse sand lets you screed a flat surface and level each paver
  • Polymeric Sand: Swept into the joints and wetted, it hardens to lock pavers and block weeds

Choosing a Paver Size

Standard 4 x 8 inch brick pavers suit traditional patterns like herringbone and running bond, while larger 12 x 12 and 16 x 16 inch pavers create a modern look and install faster. Smaller pavers handle curves better and resist cracking, but require more joints and more polymeric sand. Many designs mix two or three sizes for a natural, random pattern.

Frequently asked questions

How many pavers do I need for a 10x10 patio?⌄
A 10x10 patio is 100 square feet. With 10% extra for cuts, you need about 450 standard 4x8-inch pavers or about 100 12x12-inch pavers.
What base do I need under pavers?⌄
A paver patio needs 4-6 inches of compacted gravel (crushed stone) topped with a 1-inch layer of bedding sand. The gravel provides drainage and a stable foundation, while the sand lets you level each paver.
Do I need polymeric sand?⌄
Polymeric sand is highly recommended. Swept into the joints and wetted, it hardens to lock pavers in place, block weeds, and keep out ants while still allowing drainage.
Can I lay pavers directly on dirt?⌄
No. Pavers laid on bare dirt will shift, settle, and heave with moisture and freeze-thaw cycles. Always excavate and install a compacted gravel base with a sand bedding layer.
How much does a paver patio cost?⌄
A professionally installed paver patio typically runs $10-$25 per square foot, depending on paver material, site preparation, and local labor rates. DIY installation can cut that cost roughly in half.

See What Your New Paver Patio Could Look Like

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