About this calculator
A complete takeoff for a paver patio, walkway or driveway: pavers, compacted base, bedding sand, joint sand and edging, all in one go.
How it’s calculated
Each paver plus its joint covers (width + joint) × (length + joint). The number of pavers is the area divided by that, plus waste. Base volume includes a 20% allowance for compaction. Joint sand is worked out from the joint share of the surface × paver depth.
Worked example
With these inputs:
- Area length
- 16 ft
- Area width
- 12 ft
- Paver width
- 4 in
- Paver length
- 8 in
- Paver thickness
- 2.375 in
- Joint width
- 0.125 in
- Base depth (Granular A or ¾" crusher run)
- 6 in
- Bedding sand depth
- 1 in
- Include edge restraint
- Yes
- Waste allowance
- 10%
the result is:
- Pavers needed
- 908 pavers
- Area
- 192 sq ft
- Base material (incl. compaction)
- 3.26 m³
- Base weight
- 5.38 t
- Bedding sand
- 0.45 m³
Tips from the trade
- Herringbone and diagonal patterns waste more: use 12–15%.
- Driveways usually need 8–12" (200–300 mm) of compacted Granular A; patios and walks 6". A deeper base resists frost heave.
- Compact the base in layers no thicker than 2–3".
- Laying course sand is screeded, not compacted, before the pavers go down.
Common questions
How many pavers per square foot?
A 4×8 brick paver with ⅛" joints works out to about 4.3 per sq ft.
Results are estimates for planning and pricing. Check quantities against your drawings, the manufacturer’s data and the building code adopted in your province before ordering.