Paver calculator

Calculate pavers, gravel base, bedding sand and edging for a patio, walkway or driveway.

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Letters on the drawing match the letters next to the inputs.
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Pavers with reserve252 sq ft

Shopping list

  • Pavers1,083 pcs
  • Gravel base, compacted3.85 yd³ · ≈ 4.9 ton
  • Bedding sand, compacted0.89 yd³ · ≈ 1.1 ton
  • Landscape fabric264 sq ft
  • Edging pieces16 pcs

How we got there

Paved area
240 sq ft
Units per area
4.3 pcs/sq ft
Perimeter
64 ft

Results are estimates. Always check the coverage printed on the product and your local building code.

How it is calculated

The area plus extra is divided by the area of one paver including the joint. Gravel and sand settle when compacted, so their volumes are multiplied by 1.3 and 1.2. Weight uses about 1.3 tons per cubic yard. Edging runs around the perimeter.

FormulaPavers per sq ft = 144 ÷ ((length + joint) × (width + joint)) in inchesGravel = area × depth × 1.3Sand = area × depth × 1.2

Example

A 20 × 12 ft patio in 4 × 8 in pavers needs 1,083 pavers (252 sq ft with 5 % extra). For foot traffic that is 3.9 cubic yards of gravel (about 4.9 tons), 0.9 cubic yards of sand (about 1.1 tons), 16 edging pieces of 4 ft and 264 sq ft of landscape fabric.

Tips from practice

  • Driveways need 6–8 in of compacted base and 2 3/8 in (60 mm) or thicker pavers.
  • Slope the surface 1/4 in per foot away from the house.
  • Compact each layer with a plate compactor and sweep polymeric sand into the joints.

Questions and answers

How many 4 × 8 pavers per square foot?

4.5 without joints, about 4.3 with 1/8 in joints.

How deep should the base be?

About 4–6 in of gravel for patios and walkways, 8–12 in for driveways, plus 1 in of sand.

Do I need landscape fabric?

It keeps the base from mixing with the soil. Lay it under the gravel and up the sides.

Found a mistake in a formula? Write to [email protected]