Paver Calculator
Estimate pavers, base and bedding volumes, and optional project cost from patio size and paver dimensions (with waste and joints).
Calculation Steps
Calculator Guide
Paver Calculator — Accurate Takeoffs for Pavers, Base, and Sand
Mirror the calculator above: measure area, include joints and pattern waste, and convert depths to aggregate and sand volumes. This page keeps formulas tidy, skimmable, and consistent with your results.
Quick Start
- 1 Measure your project footprint. For rectangles, \(A=L\times W\). For irregular shapes, split into rectangles/triangles and sum areas.
- 2 Enter paver length/width and joint. The calculator uses the effective module that includes the joint so coverage matches reality.
- 3 Pick a pattern and set waste to cover cuts/breakage: 5–8% for simple rectangles; 10–15%+ for herringbone, curves, borders.
- 4 Enter base depth (compacted aggregate) and bedding sand depth to compute volumes in ft³/yd³ (or m³).
- 5 Review the materials list: paver count, edge length for restraints, aggregate, and sand. Adjust and re-run if needed.
Tip: If pavers have built-in spacers, measure the visible joint at install—use that value for the module math.
Watch-out: Maintain a 1–2% slope away from structures, compact base in thin lifts, and call 811 before digging.
Choosing Your Method
Method A — By Area (most jobs)
Fastest approach for rectangular or simple composite shapes.
- Minimal inputs; great for early takeoffs.
- Calculator handles joint spacing and waste.
- Border courses and complex edges estimated separately.
- Curves may push waste beyond defaults.
Module coverage (ft²): \(m=\dfrac{(p_L+j)(p_W+j)}{144}\) → Paver count: \(n=\left\lceil \dfrac{A}{m}\times(1+w)\right\rceil\)
Method B — Area + Perimeter (for borders)
Separates field pavers from a soldier-course border for cleaner pricing.
- Accurate border count and edging hardware.
- Useful for contrasting border colors/sizes.
- Requires perimeter \(P\) and border piece length.
Border pieces (approx): \(n_b\approx\left\lceil\dfrac{P}{p_L+j}\right\rceil\), with \(P=2(L+W)\) for rectangles.
What Moves the Number the Most
Module area
Effective face \((p_L+j)\times(p_W+j)\). Bigger modules or wider joints change pavers/ft² (or m²).
Effective face \((p_L+j)\times(p_W+j)\). Bigger modules or wider joints change pavers/ft² (or m²).
Pattern & cuts
Running bond is efficient; herringbone/basketweave need more cuts—raise waste.
Running bond is efficient; herringbone/basketweave need more cuts—raise waste.
Waste allowance
Covers offcuts, breakage, color sorting, attic stock.
Covers offcuts, breakage, color sorting, attic stock.
Depths
Volumes scale linearly: \(V=A\times d\) for base and sand.
Volumes scale linearly: \(V=A\times d\) for base and sand.
Perimeter details
Borders and edge restraints depend on \(P\) more than \(A\).
Borders and edge restraints depend on \(P\) more than \(A\).
Traffic & soil
Driveways/weak subgrades need thicker base and stronger restraint.
Driveways/weak subgrades need thicker base and stronger restraint.
Variables & Symbols
| Symbol | Meaning | Typical Units |
|---|---|---|
| \(A\) | Area | ft² or m² |
| \(p_L,\,p_W\) | Paver face length/width | in or mm |
| \(j\) | Joint width | in or mm |
| \(w\) | Waste fraction | 0.05–0.15 |
| \(n\) | Paver count (field) | each |
| \(P\) | Perimeter length | ft or m |
| \(d_b,\,d_s\) | Base & sand depths | ft or m |
| \(V_b,\,V_s\) | Base & sand volumes | ft³/yd³ or m³ |
Worked Examples
Example 1 — 16 ft × 12 ft Patio (US)
- Area: \(A=16\times12=192\ \text{ft}^2\)
- Paver: \(6\times9\ \text{in}\), joint \(j=3/16\ \text{in}=0.1875\ \text{in}\)
- Pattern: Herringbone (use \(w=0.10\))
- Depths: \(d_b=6\ \text{in}=0.5\ \text{ft}\), \(d_s=1\ \text{in}=0.0833\ \text{ft}\)
1
Effective module in ft²:
\[
m=\frac{(6+0.1875)(9+0.1875)}{144}=0.3949\ \text{ft}^2
\]
2
Pavers before waste:
\[
n_0=\frac{A}{m}=\frac{192}{0.3949}=486.1\ \Rightarrow\ 486
\]
3
Add 10% waste:
\[
n=\left\lceil 486\times(1+0.10)\right\rceil
=\lceil 534.6\rceil=535\ \text{pavers}
\]
4
Volumes:
\[
V_b=A\times d_b=192\times0.5=96\ \text{ft}^3=3.56\ \text{yd}^3
\]
\[
V_s=A\times d_s=192\times0.0833\approx16.0\ \text{ft}^3=0.59\ \text{yd}^3
\]
Edge restraint length \(P=2(L+W)=2(16+12)=56\ \text{ft}\). Check spike spacing per manufacturer.
Example 2 — 5 m × 4 m Terrace (Metric)
- Area: \(A=5\times4=20\ \text{m}^2\)
- Paver: \(200\times100\ \text{mm}\), joint \(j=3\ \text{mm}\)
- Pattern: Running bond (use \(w=0.05\))
- Depths: \(d_b=0.10\ \text{m}\), \(d_s=0.03\ \text{m}\)
1
Effective module in m²:
\[
m=(0.200+0.003)(0.100+0.003)=0.020909\ \text{m}^2
\]
2
Pavers:
\[
n_0=\frac{A}{m}=20\times\frac{1}{0.020909}=956.4\Rightarrow956
\]
\[
n=\left\lceil 956\times1.05\right\rceil=1{,}004\Rightarrow1{,}005\ \text{pavers}
\]
3
Volumes:
\[
V_b=20\times0.10=2.00\ \text{m}^3,\quad
V_s=20\times0.03=0.60\ \text{m}^3
\]
Perimeter \(P=2(5+4)=18\ \text{m}\).Soldier-course estimate (end-to-end 200 mm pieces): \(n_b\approx\lceil 18/0.203\rceil=89\) before waste.
Patterns & Variations
Patterns influence cut time and waste. Use higher waste for diagonal bonds, curves, and inlays.
| Pattern / Variation | Typical Waste | Install Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Running Bond | 5–8% | Fastest; efficient on rectangles; minimal diagonal cuts. |
| Stack Bond | 8–12% | Clean grid; aligned joints may need more edge adjustments. |
| Herringbone (90°/45°) | 10–15%+ | High interlock; diagonal edges raise trimming time. |
| Basketweave / Flemish | 10–15%+ | Mixed sizes; lay out modules to reduce surprises. |
| Curved Borders / Inlays | 12–18%+ | Curves and motifs require more clipping and dry fits. |
- Confirm thickness for loading (50–60 mm patios; 60–80 mm driveways).
- Plan expansion gaps and install edge restraint to prevent creep.
- Mock up corners and border returns before full runs.
- Order attic stock from the same dye lot for future repairs.
Buying, Logistics & Practicalities
Selection Criteria
- Thickness: patios 50–60 mm; driveways 60–80 mm.
- Surface: choose textures for slip resistance in wet/frost areas.
- Color: blend bundles during install to avoid banding.
- Joint material: polymeric sand for stability; match joint width.
Logistics & Install Tips
- Set string lines for a 1–2% slope away from structures.
- Stabilize subgrade; consider geotextile on weak soils.
- Compact base in 2–3 in lifts; screed bedding sand once.
- Install edge restraint tight to the field before joint fill.
- Plate-compact (with mat) before and after sanding.
Sanity Checks
- \(n\) roughly equals \(A\) divided by your module coverage?
- Volumes equal \(A\times d\) (then convert to yd³ or m³)?
- Perimeter \(P\) covers edging and any soldier course?
- Note: follow regional standards/codes; this is not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pavers do I need per square foot?
It depends on module area. Compute coverage \(m=\dfrac{(p_L+j)(p_W+j)}{144}\), then \(n=\left\lceil \dfrac{A}{m}\times(1+w)\right\rceil\). A common 6×9 in paver with a ~3/16 in joint often lands near ~2.5–2.7 pavers/ft².
How much base should I use under pavers?
Patios/walkways often use 4–6 in compacted aggregate; driveways 8–12 in, adjusted for soil/frost. The calculator converts your depth \(d_b\) to volume \(V_b=A\times d_b\).
What waste percentage should I choose?
Use 5–8% for simple rectangles/running bond; 10–15%+ for herringbone, curves, borders, or tight tolerances. Larger DIY jobs benefit from some attic stock.
Do I need edge restraint if I have a border?
Yes—borders improve appearance/interlock, but edge restraints (metal, PVC, concrete) prevent lateral creep. Estimate length from perimeter \(P\).
Can I use this calculator for driveways?
Yes. Choose thicker pavers and increase base depth; the math scales directly with your inputs.
What slope should I build into my patio?
A 1–2% slope away from structures is typical (about \(1/8\)–\(1/4\) in per foot). Verify local guidance for drainage and discharge locations.
How do I estimate total cost?
Multiply paver count × unit price and add aggregate, sand, edge restraint, spikes, geotextile (if used), and equipment. Add labor/contingency; patterns with many cuts increase install time.