Paver Calculator
Enter your patio or walkway dimensions and paver size to calculate exactly how many pavers you need — plus sand, gravel base, and an estimated material cost. Planning your base layer? Try the gravel calculator for precise quantities.
Pre-filled with a 10 x 12 ft patio using 6" x 6" concrete pavers. Edit to match your project.
Common Paver Sizes
Paver Material
Pavers Needed (with 10% waste)
528pavers
Total Area
120 ft²
Sand (1\u2033 bed)
0.50 tons
Gravel Base (4\u2033)
2.10 tons
Est. Total Cost
$355–$715
Cost Breakdown
What Is a Paver Calculator?
A paver calculator takes your project area (length × width) and your chosen paver size, then divides the total square footage by each paver's area to tell you exactly how many pieces to order. It also estimates the gravel base and sand bedding you need for a proper installation. Our calculator includes a 10% waste factor for cuts, breakage, and pattern waste.
The formula: (Area ft²) ÷ (Paver ft²) × 1.10 = Pavers Needed
Paver area in ft² = (width in × length in) ÷ 144
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Measure your patio or walkway area in feet — length and width. For L-shaped areas, break it into two rectangles and add the results.
- 2Select a paver size from the presets (4×8, 6×6, 12×12, etc.) or enter custom dimensions in inches.
- 3Choose your paver material — concrete is the most affordable, while natural stone and travertine are premium options with higher price points.
- 4Review your results: total pavers (with 10% waste), sand for the 1″ bedding layer, gravel for the 4″ base, and estimated cost range.
- 5Use the Copy button to save your estimate, or Print for a physical reference to take to your supplier.
Paver Materials & Price Ranges
Material choice is the biggest factor in your total cost. Concrete pavers are the most popular for DIY projects, while natural stone delivers a premium look that pairs well with flower bed edging and other landscaping features.
| Material | Price | Best For | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete | $2–$5/sq ft | Budget-friendly patios and walkways | Fades over time, less durable than stone |
| Brick | $3–$6/sq ft | Traditional walkways, garden borders | Limited shapes, can crack in freeze-thaw cycles |
| Natural Stone | $5–$8/sq ft | Flagstone patios, upscale hardscaping | Heavier, irregular sizes, higher cost |
| Travertine | $6–$8/sq ft | Pool decks, high-end outdoor living areas | Porous (needs sealing), most expensive option |
Common Project Examples
These estimates include 10% waste factor. For a full project budget including labor, check our landscaping cost calculator.
10 x 12 ft Patio (6″ x 6″ pavers)
528 pavers · 0.50 tons sand · 2.10 tons gravel — Standard backyard patio — the most common project size
4 x 30 ft Walkway (4″ x 8″ pavers)
594 pavers · 0.50 tons sand · 2.10 tons gravel — Front door to driveway path with a classic brick pattern
16 x 20 ft Patio (12″ x 12″ pavers)
352 pavers · 1.33 tons sand · 5.60 tons gravel — Large entertaining area — perfect for outdoor dining
Installation Tips
Never skip the gravel base
A 4″ compacted gravel base prevents settling, shifting, and drainage problems. Without it, your pavers will heave and crack within a year or two. Use crushed stone (not pea gravel) for maximum compaction — our gravel calculator can help you estimate the right amount.
Account for joint spacing
Most paver installations use 1/8″ to 1/4″ joints filled with polymeric sand. This slightly reduces the number of pavers needed, but the 10% waste factor already covers it plus cuts and breakage.
Plan for drainage slope
Grade your patio or walkway 1/4″ per foot away from your house. This prevents water pooling and protects your foundation. For larger areas, consider adding edge drains.
Buy 10% extra — from the same batch
Pavers can vary slightly between production batches. Order all your material at once (including the 10% waste) to ensure consistent color. Keep a few spares for future repairs.
Ready to start your project? Read our step-by-step paver installation guide for the full process, or use the gravel calculator to dial in your base layer quantities. For retaining walls near your patio, check our retaining wall calculator.
Related Tools & Guides
Gravel Calculator
Calculate cubic yards and tons of gravel for your base layer
Retaining Wall Calculator
Estimate blocks, mortar, and cost for retaining walls
How to Install Pavers
Step-by-step paver installation guide from base to finish
Landscaping Cost Calculator
Get a complete budget estimate for your landscaping project
Landscape Drainage Solutions
French drains, grading, and runoff management techniques