About this calculator
A complete takeoff for a block-paved drive or patio: 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
- 5 m
- Area width
- 4 m
- Paver width
- 100 mm
- Paver length
- 200 mm
- Paver thickness
- 50 mm
- Joint width
- 3 mm
- Sub-base depth (MOT Type 1)
- 100 mm
- Bedding sand depth
- 40 mm
- Include edge restraint
- Yes
- Waste allowance
- 10%
the result is:
- Pavers needed
- 1,053 pavers
- Area
- 20 m²
- Base material (incl. compaction)
- 2.4 m³
- Base weight
- 5.04 t
- Bedding sand
- 0.8 m³
Tips from the trade
- Herringbone and diagonal patterns waste more: use 12–15%.
- Driveways usually need 150–200 mm of MOT Type 1; patios and paths 100 mm.
- Compact the base in layers no thicker than 50–75 mm.
- Laying course sand is screeded, not compacted, before the pavers go down.
Common questions
How many block pavers per m²?
A 200 × 100 mm block with 3 mm joints works out to about 48.5 per m², usually quoted as 50.
Results are estimates for planning and pricing. Check quantities against your drawings, the manufacturer’s data and the Building Regulations before ordering.