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
- Gravel base depth
- 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)
- 4.27 cu yd
- Base weight
- 5.93 tons
- Bedding sand
- 0.59 cu yd
Tips from the trade
- Herringbone and diagonal patterns waste more: use 12–15%.
- Driveways usually need 8–12" of base; patios 4–6".
- 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 local building codes before ordering.