How the paver calculator works
Pavers per square foot = 144 ÷ (paver length (in) × paver width (in))
Pavers = area × pavers per square foot × (1 + waste)
Example: a 12 × 10 ft patio with 4 × 8 in pavers
The patio is 120 square feet. A 4 × 8 in paver covers 32 square inches, so it takes 4.5 per square foot, or 540 pavers. With 10% extra, buy 594 pavers, about $416 at $0.70 each. A 4 inch gravel base takes 1.48 cubic yards, and 1 inch of bedding sand takes 0.37 cubic yards.
Building a paver patio that lasts
Excavate deep enough for the base, sand and paver, compact the gravel in 2 inch layers, and screed the sand flat. Edge restraints stop the pavers from creeping apart.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need per square foot?
It depends on size: 4.5 for 4 × 8 in pavers, 2 for 6 × 12 in, and 1 for 12 × 12 in. The calculator works it out from any size.
How much extra should I order?
About 5% for simple rectangles laid straight, and 10% to 15% for curves, herringbone or lots of cuts.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-31