How to Calculate Pavers
Estimating pavers requires calculating the patio or walkway area, dividing by the face area of a single paver, and adding waste for cuts around edges and curves. A complete project also needs compacted base gravel, bedding sand, joint sand, and edge restraint to stay stable.
Paver Count Formula
Pavers=Areasq inPaver Facesq in×(1 +Waste%)
Base Gravel Volume
Gravelcu yd=Areasq ft×Base Depthft27
A 200 sq ft foot-traffic patio over 4 in (0.33 ft) base needs (200 x 0.33) / 27 = 2.5 cu yd of 3/4 in minus crushed stone. Double the depth for driveways.
Common Paver Sizes and Coverage
| Paver Size | Pavers / sq ft | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 4 x 8 in (holland) | 4.5 | Walkways, driveways |
| 6 x 6 in | 4.0 | Patios, herringbone |
| 6 x 9 in | 2.7 | Patios, large-scale |
| 12 x 12 in | 1.0 | Modern patios, pool decks |
| 24 x 24 in (slab) | 0.25 | Large format patios |
Base Material Layers
| Layer | Material | Foot | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 3/4 in minus crushed stone | 4 in | 8 to 12 in |
| Bedding | ASTM C33 concrete sand | 1 in | 1 in |
| Joint fill | Polymeric sand | Full depth | Full depth |
Never Use Stone Dust as Bedding
Stone dust or limestone screenings look like sand but trap water and turn to concrete under the pavers. Always use coarse concrete sand (ASTM C33). For joints, polymeric sand is recommended - it hardens after watering and resists weeds and ant activity.Edge Restraint Required
- Plastic edging - most common, 8 ft sections with 12 in spikes
- Aluminum edging - premium, stronger for driveways
- Poured concrete curb - strongest, commercial pavements
- Mortared stone or brick - traditional, doubles as visual border
Waste Factor by Pattern
Running bond
5%
Basketweave
8%
Herringbone 90
10%
Herringbone 45
15%
Screed the Sand, Don't Compact It
The 1 in sand bedding must be screeded smooth but NOT compacted before laying pavers. The pavers compact it as you lay them and as you run a plate compactor over the finished surface. Compacting sand first creates a hard layer pavers cannot settle into evenly.