Paver Calculator
Calculate the exact number of pavers, base gravel, and bedding sand for any patio, walkway, or driveway project. Enter project area and paver size to get paver count with 5% waste for cuts, cubic yards of compacted gravel base (4 inches for patios, 6 inches for driveways), bedding sand (1-inch layer for leveling), and total material cost. A proper paver installation has three layers: compacted gravel base, 1-inch bedding sand layer, and the pavers themselves — skip any layer and the patio will settle unevenly. Use polymeric sand (not regular sand) between the joints to prevent weed growth and ant intrusion. The calculator covers all common paver sizes from 4×8 brick pavers to 24×24 slab pavers.
Buy MaterialsAD
Top Pick12×12 Concrete Pavers — Home Depotfrom $1.98/paver* Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Related Calculators
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter your measurements in the fields above. Use the units shown next to each field (ft, in, etc.).
- 2Click Calculate to get your material estimate instantly.
- 3Review the highlighted result — it shows the key quantity you need to order.
- 4Use Copy Results to save your estimate, or bookmark the URL — your inputs are encoded in the link.
Pro tip: Always add 10% to your material order to account for waste, cuts, and defects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 12×12 pavers do I need for a 10×10 patio?
A 10×10 patio is 100 sq ft. At 1 paver per sq ft (12×12), you need 100 pavers plus 5% waste = 105 pavers. Add 1.5 cubic yards of gravel base and 0.3 cubic yards of bedding sand.
How deep should the gravel base be under pavers?
For pedestrian patios and walkways, use a 4-inch compacted gravel base. For driveways or areas with vehicle traffic, use 6–8 inches. Always compact the base with a plate compactor — an uncompacted base will settle unevenly and cause the pavers to shift.
What is polymeric sand and why should I use it?
Polymeric sand is a paver joint filler that hardens when activated with water. It prevents weed growth between pavers, resists ant intrusion, and stabilizes the paver layout better than regular sand. It costs more than regular jointing sand but prevents weeds from establishing in the joints and reduces long-term maintenance.
How much does a paver patio cost per square foot?
Concrete paver materials run $3–$8 per sq ft depending on size and style. Professional installation (excavation, base, sand, and pavers) typically adds $10–$20 per sq ft in labor. Total installed paver patio costs range from $15–$30 per sq ft. Natural stone pavers cost $20–$50 per sq ft installed.