Paver Calculator
Calculate pavers needed for patios, walkways, and driveways. Includes base aggregate, bedding sand, and polymeric joint sand estimates.
How to Calculate Pavers
Pavers create beautiful, durable surfaces for patios, walkways, pool decks, and driveways. Unlike poured concrete, pavers flex with ground movement and individual units can be replaced if damaged. Accurate material estimation includes not just the pavers themselves, but the aggregate base, bedding sand, and joint sand.
The Paver Formula
Pavers = (Area sq ft ÷ Single paver sq ft) × 1.10 (waste)
Base aggregate = Area × Base depth (6" for patios, 10" for driveways)
Bedding sand = Area × 1 inch depth
Polymeric sand = ~50 lb per 75 sq ft of standard pavers
Paver Installation Layers
- Excavation: Dig 8–10" below finished grade for patios, 12–16" for driveways
- Geotextile fabric: Prevents base material from sinking into soil
- Aggregate base: 4–6" compacted crushed stone (#21A or #2 stone). Compact in 2–3" lifts to 95% density
- Bedding sand: 1" of coarse concrete sand, screeded level with pipes or rails
- Pavers: Laid in chosen pattern with consistent 1/8" gaps
- Edge restraint: Installed and staked before filling joints
- Joint sand: Polymeric sand swept into joints, compacted, and activated with water
Common Paver Patterns
- Running bond: Simplest, least waste (5–10%). Bricks offset by half.
- Herringbone (45° or 90°): Strongest for driveways. Interlocks to resist shifting. 10–15% waste.
- Basket weave: Pairs of pavers alternating direction. Traditional look. 5–10% waste.
- Circular/fan: Radiating pattern from center point. 15–20% waste due to many cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pavers do I need?
Divide area by single paver area, add 10% waste. A 200 sq ft patio with 6×9" pavers needs about 587 pavers.
How much does a paver patio cost?
DIY: $5–$15/sq ft materials. Professional: $10–$25/sq ft installed. A 200 sq ft patio runs $1,000–$5,000.
How deep should the base be?
4–6" compacted aggregate for patios, 8–12" for driveways. Always compact in lifts and check for level.
What sand for pavers?
ASTM C33 coarse sand for bedding (1" thick). Polymeric sand for joints — it hardens to prevent weeds and ant hills.
Do I need edge restraints?
Yes, always. Without restraints, pavers shift and spread over time. Stake plastic edging every 12" or use permanent borders.
Related Calculators
- Gravel Calculator — base material estimates
- Square Footage Calculator — area for irregular shapes
- Retaining Wall Calculator — blocks for garden walls
Paver quantities vary by size and pattern. Confirm coverage rates with your supplier. Professional installation recommended for driveways and areas requiring proper drainage engineering. Follow ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) guidelines.