Paver Calculator: Pavers, Gravel and Sand

A paver patio has three layers: a compacted gravel base, a thin bed of sand, and the pavers themselves. The calculator works out all three from your patio size and paver size, so one trip to the landscape yard covers the job.

How the calculator works

Pavers = patio area ÷ the area of one paver, plus extra for cuts
Base gravel = a layer of crusher run, figured 6 inches wider than the patio on every side, at the depth you choose, converted to tons at about 1.5 tons per cubic yard
Bedding sand = the patio area at the sand depth, in cubic yards

A worked example: a 16 x 12 ft patio

Standard 4 x 8 in pavers in a straight pattern with 10% extra, 4 inches of base and 1 inch of sand:

Patio area: 16 × 12 = 192 sq ft
One paver: 4 × 8 = 32 sq in, or 0.222 sq ft
Pavers: 192 ÷ 0.222 = 864, plus 10% = 951 pavers
Base area: (16 + 1) × (12 + 1) = 221 sq ft, because the base runs 6 inches past each edge
Base volume: 221 × 4 ÷ 12 = 73.7 cu ft, or 2.73 cubic yards
Base weight: 2.73 × 1.5 = 4.1 tons of crusher run
Bedding sand: 192 × 1 ÷ 12 = 16 cu ft, or 0.59 cubic yards

At $0.75 per paver and $40 per ton of base, the pavers and base come to about $877. Add sand, edge restraint and polymeric joint sand.

The base is the part that matters

Pavers that sink, rock or heave almost always point to a weak base. Oklahoma State University's facilities guide for paver patios lays out a typical pedestrian setup:

Compact the soil first, then lay non-woven fabric.
Add a 4 inch compacted crusher run base, extending at least 6 inches past the paver area on every side.
Slope it at least 2% so water runs off, about 1/4 inch per foot.
Screed 1 inch of bedding sand over the base, using pipes as guides.
Lay the pavers, install an edge restraint, then compact the pavers with a plate compactor and a protective pad, working from the edges to the middle.

Driveways carry far more weight and need a deeper base. Ask your paver maker or a local installer for the right depth for vehicles and your soil.

Paver sizes and how many per square foot

Paver size	Area of one	Per sq ft (no waste)
4 x 8 in	0.22 sq ft	4.5
6 x 6 in	0.25 sq ft	4
6 x 9 in	0.375 sq ft	2.7
12 x 12 in	1 sq ft	1
16 x 16 in	1.78 sq ft	0.56

Pavers sold in mixed-size "kits" or patterns are usually quoted per square foot or per pallet. Use the coverage on the pallet label instead of counting individual pieces.

How much extra to buy

5% for a square or rectangular patio laid in a straight pattern.
10% for most patios, especially with a border.
15% for curves, circles, herringbone or 45 degree patterns, where most edge pavers get cut.

What a paver patio costs in 2026

Angi's 2026 data:

Installed: $8 to $25 per sq ft, and up to $50 for flagstone and other high-end materials
Average: about $3,800 for a 280 sq ft patio
Materials: concrete pavers $8 to $15 per sq ft, brick or clay $10 to $20, natural stone $15 to $50
Labor: $50 to $80 per hour, or $4 to $11 per sq ft. A 300 sq ft patio takes 35 to 40 hours of professional work.

Frequently asked questions

How many pavers do I need for a 10 x 10 patio?

With 4 x 8 in pavers, 100 sq ft takes 450 pavers, or 495 with 10% extra.

How much base gravel for a 12 x 12 patio?

At 4 inches deep and 6 inches past each edge, the base covers 13 × 13 = 169 sq ft. That is 2.1 cubic yards, or about 3.1 tons of crusher run.

Can I use sand instead of gravel for the base?

No. Sand alone shifts and washes out. It goes in a thin layer on top of a compacted gravel base.

Do I need polymeric sand?

It is the common choice for the joints. It hardens when wet and helps keep weeds and ants out.

Next step

For a gravel path or a crushed-stone border next to the patio, use the gravel calculator. Pouring a concrete pad instead? The concrete calculator has you covered.

Base depths here are for foot traffic. Follow your paver maker's guide and local practice for driveways and poor soils.

Paver Calculator: Pavers, Base Gravel and Sand for a Patio