Paver Calculator

Find out exactly how many pavers, gravel, sand, and edge restraint you need for your patio or walkway project. Includes 10-15% wastage allowance.

What type of surface are you paving?

Length of the paved area

Width of the paved area

Type and size of pavers

How pavers will be arranged

Edge restraint needs

Base layer for pavers

Add extra for cuts and breakage

Pavers = (Area sq in / Paver sq in) × (1 + Wastage%); Cubic yards base = Area × Depth / 27 × 1.1; Pattern waste: running=5%, herringbone=8%, circular=15%
Example: 20'×15' patio (300 sq ft), standard bricks, running bond: Pavers needed = 1,687; Gravel base = 4 cubic yards; Sand = 150 bags; Polymeric sand = 15 bags

How do I know how many pavers I need?

Measure your area length × width to get square footage. Divide by the square footage of one paver (in feet), then multiply by 1.10-1.15 for wastage. Running bond patterns need 5% extra, herringbone 8%, circular up to 15%. This calculator handles all of this automatically.

What base do I need for paver installation?

Patios and walkways need 4-6 inches of compacted gravel base, plus 1 inch of paver sand. Driveways need 6-8 inches of gravel base due to vehicle weight. Without proper base, pavers will settle and shift over time. The gravel should be Class II or 3/4 minus compactable material.

What is polymeric sand and when do I use it?

Polymeric sand is a specially formulated sand with binding polymers that activate when wet. It fills joints between pavers and prevents weed growth, insect damage, and erosion. Use it after compacting pavers and before power washing. Regular sand washes away and allows weeds to grow.

Do I need edge restraint?

Yes, always. Edge restraint prevents pavers from spreading outward under foot traffic and weather. Without it, your patio will fail within 2-3 years. Use plastic or metal edging secured with stakes every 8-12 inches. The calculator estimates edge length based on your project dimensions.