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Trowelly

Paver Calculator

Enter your patio size and paver dimensions to see how many pavers to buy, plus the gravel base and bedding sand underneath.

Units
ft
ft
in
in
%

Use 5% for simple rectangles, 10–15% for curves or herringbone.

in

4 in for patios and paths, 6–8 in for driveways.

in
Add prices for a cost estimate (optional)
each
per ton
per ton

Results

Pavers
713 pavers
Patio area
144 ft²
Gravel base
1.78 yd³
Gravel base weight
2.4 tons
Bedding sand
0.44 yd³
Bedding sand weight
0.6 tons
  • Includes 10% extra pavers. Base and sand are compacted volumes; order about 10% more if your supplier quotes loose volume.

Where to buy

Quantities from your result, with links to search each store.

Your ZIP code stays on this device. We use it to show stores and suppliers in your area.

You may also need

Links search each store’s website. Check prices and stock before you go.

How to use the paver calculator

  1. Choose a Shape and enter the patio or path dimensions.
  2. Enter the Paver length and Paver width in inches.
  3. Set the Extra for cuts & breakage: 5% for simple rectangles, 10–15% for curves or herringbone.
  4. Enter the Gravel base depth (4 in for patios, 6–8 in for driveways) and Bedding sand depth.
  5. Optionally add prices per paver and per ton of base and sand.

How it works

Paver count divides the area in square inches by the face area of one paver and adds your extra for cuts and breakage. The extra applies to pavers only.

Base and sand volumes are compacted volumes with no extra added. Weights use about 2,700 lb per cubic yard (1.35 tons) for both crushed stone and sand. If your supplier quotes loose volume, order about 10% more.

Pavers = area (ft²) × 144 ÷ (paver length × paver width) × (1 + extra %), rounded up

Base (yd³) = area × base depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27

Sand (yd³) = area × sand depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27

Tons = cubic yards × 2,700 lb ÷ 2,000

Worked example

With the default inputs, a 12 × 12 ft patio is 144 ft². Using 8 × 4 in pavers (32 in² each), that is 648 pavers, or 712.8 with 10% extra, rounded up to 713.

A 4 in gravel base is 1.78 cubic yards, about 2.4 tons. A 1 in layer of bedding sand is 0.44 cubic yards, about 0.6 tons.

Tips before you buy

  • Excavate deep enough for the base, sand and paver thickness, plus any height you need for drainage.
  • Slope the patio away from the house, commonly about ¼ in per foot.
  • Compact the base in 2–3 in lifts with a plate compactor rather than all at once.
  • Buy all pavers from the same production run to avoid color differences, and keep a few spares.
  • Call 811 before you dig to have buried utilities marked.

Frequently asked questions

How many pavers do I need per square foot?

For 4 × 8 in pavers it is 4.5 per ft² (144 ÷ 32), before extra for cuts. Larger pavers need fewer; divide 144 by the paver’s length × width in inches.

How much gravel do I need under pavers?

Patios and walkways usually get 4 in of compacted crushed stone, and driveways 6–8 in. A 12 × 12 ft patio at 4 in needs 1.78 cubic yards, about 2.4 tons.

How much sand goes under pavers?

About 1 in of bedding sand. For a 144 ft² patio that is 0.44 cubic yards, roughly 0.6 tons.

How many extra pavers should I buy?

About 5% for simple rectangles and 10–15% for curves, borders or herringbone patterns, which need more cuts.

Should I order more base than the calculator shows?

The base and sand figures are compacted volumes. Loose material compacts down, so order about 10% more if your supplier quotes loose volume.

Results are estimates based on the measurements you enter and typical material properties. Products vary, so check quantities with your supplier and follow product labels and your local building codes. Read the full disclaimer. Last reviewed October 9, 2026.