Paver Calculator
Enter your patio dimensions and paver size to estimate pavers — plus the gravel base and sand every paver patio needs.
Runs entirely in your browser — your numbers never leave this page.
How it works
A paver patio is a system, not just pavers: 4 inches of compacted gravel base + 1 inch of bedding sand + pavers + joint sand.
Pavers = (Patio area ÷ Paver face area) × (1 + Waste)
- The base is everything. Excavate 7–8 inches, compact crusher run in 2-inch lifts, screed 1 inch of concrete sand. Failures are always base failures.
- Edge restraint (plastic or aluminum edging spiked in) keeps the whole field from migrating outward.
- Polymeric sand swept into joints then misted locks pavers together and resists weeds and ants — worth it over plain sand.
- Slope the patio 1 inch per 8 feet away from the house for drainage.
- Cutting: a wet saw or splitter for curves; always cut with eye and ear protection — silica dust is no joke.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need?
Divide patio area by one paver's face area, add waste. A 16×12 ft patio (192 sq ft) with 6×6 in pavers (0.25 sq ft each) needs 768 + 10% ≈ 845 pavers.
How deep should a paver base be?
4 inches of compacted crusher run for patios and walkways, 6+ inches for driveways. Compact in 2-inch lifts — one thick lift never compacts fully.
Do I need sand under pavers?
Yes — 1 inch of screeded concrete sand beds the pavers and lets you level each one. Never use stone dust with clay content; it holds water.
What is polymeric sand?
Joint sand with binders that harden when misted. It locks pavers, resists washout and weeds. One 50-lb bag covers ~80–120 sq ft.
How do I keep the patio from shifting?
Edge restraint spiked around the perimeter is mandatory — without it, pavers migrate outward within a season or two.
What slope does a patio need?
About 1 inch of fall per 8 feet away from structures. Too flat puddles; too steep feels tippy underfoot.
Can I lay pavers over concrete?
Yes with thin pavers (1 inch) glued or mortared down, if the slab is sound and drainage works. Do not sand-set pavers on concrete — water gets trapped.
How do I cut pavers?
A wet tile saw for curves and clean cuts; a manual splitter for straight breaks on brick pavers. Always wear eye, ear, and dust protection.
Why did my patio develop dips?
Almost always the base: uncompacted lifts, organic soil left underneath, or water undermining the edge. There is no surface fix — it has to come up and be re-based.
How much does a DIY paver patio cost?
Materials run roughly $5–12 per sq ft (pavers, base, sand, edging). A 16×12 patio lands around $1,000–2,300 in materials; contractors charge $15–30+ per sq ft installed.