Paver Patio Calculator
Estimate the pavers, gravel base and leveling sand for a patio or walkway.
Calculator
| Patio area | 100.0 ft² |
|---|---|
| Gravel base, 4 in deep (+10%) | 1.36 yd³ |
| Leveling sand, 1 in deep | 9.2 ft³ |
How it is calculated
Area = 10 × 10 = 100.0 sq ft. A 6×9 in paver is 0.375 sq ft, so 266.7 pavers cover it; add 10% for cuts = 294. Base: 100 sq ft × 4 in ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = 1.23 yd³ (+10%).
About this calculator
A paver patio is built in layers: compacted gravel base, a thin bed of leveling sand, the pavers, edge restraint and joint sand. The calculator estimates the pavers, the gravel base and the leveling sand from the patio's area.
Base depth depends on the soil and the use: patios commonly use around 4 inches of compacted base, and driveways need more. Always compact the base in layers and slope the surface slightly away from buildings for drainage.
Worked examples
| Project | 6×9 in pavers (+10% for cuts) | Rough cost |
|---|---|---|
| a 10x10 ft paver patio | 294 pavers | $200 – $700 |
| a 12x12 ft paver patio | 423 pavers | $288 – $1,008 |
| a 12x20 ft paver patio | 704 pavers | $480 – $1,680 |
| a 20x20 ft paver patio | 1,174 pavers | $800 – $2,800 |
Buying notes
- Paver sizes vary; check the area each paver covers and compare it with the 6×9 inch size used here.
- Add edge restraint and polymeric or joint sand to the shopping list.
- Cuts and curves use more pavers, so add extra for complex shapes.
Quick answers by size
Click a size for the exact quantity and cost.
How to measure and use this calculator
- Measure the patio's length and width; split odd shapes into rectangles.
- Enter the dimensions to get paver count, base gravel and leveling sand.
- Compact the base in layers, screed the sand, then lay the pavers.
- Add 10% or more to the paver count for cuts, especially on curves.
Common mistakes
- Skipping edge restraints, which lets the patio spread.
- Using too thick a sand bed, which causes settling.
- Not sloping the patio away from the house for drainage.
Tips
- Use a 4–6 inch compacted gravel base; thicker in soft soil or cold climates.
- Add 10% to the paver count for cuts, more with curves or diagonal patterns.
- Edge restraint and polymeric sand are extra and not counted here.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need per square foot?
It depends on the paver size; a 6×9 in paver covers 0.375 sq ft, so you need about 2.7 per square foot.
How thick should the sand layer be under pavers?
About 1 inch of leveling sand is common. Thicker beds can settle unevenly.
Do I need a gravel base for pavers?
Usually yes. A compacted gravel base keeps the pavers from sinking and helps drainage, though the right depth depends on soil and use.