Paver Calculator
By Taro Schenker | Updated February 11, 2026
Quick Answer: To calculate pavers, divide your project area (sq ft) by each paver's effective area including joint spacing: (Paver Length + Joint) x (Paver Width + Joint) / 144. For standard 4x8-inch pavers with 1/8-inch joints, you need about 4.4 pavers per square foot. Base material requires 4 inches of gravel at 2,700 lbs/cu yd and 1 inch of leveling sand. Add 10% waste for straight layouts, 15% for herringbone. For a 200 sq ft patio with 4x8 pavers, you need about 968 pavers.
Calculate how many pavers you need for your patio, driveway, or walkway. Enter your area dimensions and paver size to get an exact paver count, plus estimates for base gravel, leveling sand, and total cost.
How to Calculate Pavers
The formula for calculating the number of pavers is:
- Measure the length and width of your project area in feet.
- Calculate the total area in square feet (length × width for rectangles, π × r² for circles).
- Choose your paver size and note the joint spacing (typically 1/8 inch).
- Calculate the effective area of each paver including the joint: (paver length + joint) × (paver width + joint) ÷ 144.
- Divide the project area by the single-paver area to get the base count.
- Add 10-15% for waste, cuts, and breakage.
Paver Sizes & Coverage
Quick reference for common paver sizes and how many you need per square foot (with 1/8" joint spacing):
| Paver Size | Pavers per sq ft | Pavers per 100 sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 4" × 8" | 4.4 | 440 |
| 6" × 6" | 3.8 | 380 |
| 6" × 9" | 2.4 | 240 |
| 8" × 8" | 2.1 | 210 |
| 12" × 12" | 1.0 | 100 |
| 16" × 16" | 0.5 | 50 |
Paver Laying Patterns
The laying pattern affects both the look and structural integrity of your paver project. Here are the most common patterns:
- Running Bond: Pavers are offset by half their length, like a brick wall. The most popular and easiest pattern to install. Works well with rectangular pavers. Waste factor: ~5-10%.
- Herringbone (45° or 90°): Pavers are laid in a zigzag “V” shape. The strongest pattern for driveways and high-traffic areas because it interlocks under load. Waste factor: ~10-15%.
- Basket Weave: Pairs of pavers alternate horizontal and vertical orientation. Creates a classic, traditional look. Best with 2:1 ratio pavers (e.g., 4" × 8"). Waste factor: ~5-10%.
- Stack Bond: Pavers are laid in a simple grid with aligned joints. Clean, modern look but the least structurally stable. Not recommended for driveways. Waste factor: ~5%.
Base Preparation Tips
A solid base is the most important factor in a long-lasting paver installation. Follow these guidelines:
- Excavation depth: Dig 7-9 inches below the finished paver surface (4-6 inches for gravel base + 1 inch sand + paver thickness).
- Gravel base: Use crushed stone (3/4-inch minus) compacted in 2-inch lifts. Each lift should be compacted with a plate compactor to 95% density.
- Sand layer: Use coarse concrete sand (not play sand) screeded to exactly 1 inch thick. Do not compact the sand before laying pavers.
- Slope for drainage: Maintain a 1% grade (1/8 inch per foot) away from structures to prevent water pooling.
- Edge restraints: Install rigid plastic or aluminum edging before laying pavers. This prevents the pavers from shifting outward over time.
- Polymeric sand: After laying pavers, sweep polymeric sand into the joints and activate with water. This locks pavers together and prevents weed growth.
Formula Summary
Paver Count Formula: To calculate the number of pavers needed, divide the project area by the effective area of a single paver (including joint spacing), then multiply by the waste factor.
$$N_{\text{pavers}} = \lceil A_{\text{sq ft}} \times \frac{144}{(L_p + J) \times (W_p + J)} \times (1 + W\%) \rceil$$
where $L_p$ and $W_p$ are paver dimensions in inches and $J$ is the joint spacing in inches.
Base Material: $$\text{Base (tons)} = \frac{A \times \frac{4}{12}}{27} \times \frac{2700}{2000}$$
Sand Bed: $$\text{Sand (tons)} = \frac{A \times \frac{1}{12}}{27} \times \frac{2700}{2000}$$
| Paver Size | Pavers per sq ft |
|---|---|
| 4" x 8" | ~4.4 |
| 6" x 6" | ~3.8 |
| 6" x 9" | ~2.4 |
| 8" x 8" | ~2.1 |
| 12" x 12" | ~1.0 |
| 16" x 16" | ~0.5 |
Standard Assumptions: Joint spacing defaults to 1/8 inch. Gravel base is 4 inches deep at 2,700 lbs/cu yd. Sand bed is 1 inch deep at 2,700 lbs/cu yd. 1 ton = 2,000 lbs. Default waste factor is 10%. All pavers per sq ft figures include 1/8-inch joint spacing.
Related Calculators
- Gravel Calculator — calculate gravel for driveways, paths, and paver bases
- Sand Calculator — estimate sand for leveling beds and paver joints
- Brick Calculator — calculate bricks for walls, patios, and walkways
- Tile Calculator — estimate tiles for floors, backsplashes, and showers
Estimates are for planning purposes only. Consult a qualified contractor for critical projects. Actual material requirements may vary based on site conditions, waste, and installation methods.
Pricing last verified: February 2026. Material prices vary by region, season, and supplier. Prices shown are national averages for planning purposes.