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Paver Calculator

Calculate pavers for patios, driveways, and walkways

Pavers Needed

1137

Area

240 sq ft

Gravel Base

2.96 yd³

Cost

$731

Units

Offset rows, easy install

Patio / Walkway (4" base)

Total Pavers

1137

Area

240 sq ft

Gravel Base

2.96 yd³

Est. Cost

$731

Materials Needed

Pavers (4" × 8" Brick)

3 pallets × 540 per pallet

1137

Bedding Sand

1" layer under pavers

0.74 yd³

Polymeric Joint Sand

For filling joints

120 lbs

Gravel Base

Patio / Walkway (4" base)

2.96 yd³

Cost Breakdown

Pavers$569
Sand (bedding + joint)$44
Gravel Base$119
Total Materials$731

* Prices are estimates. Does not include edge restraints, landscape fabric, or labor.

Pattern Info

PatternRunning Bond
Waste Factor+5%
Pavers before waste1082

Offset rows, easy install

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How do I calculate how many pavers I need?

Divide your project area (sq ft) by the paver size (sq ft). For 4×8" pavers (0.22 sq ft each): 200 sq ft ÷ 0.22 = 909 pavers. Add 5-10% for cuts and waste, especially for diagonal patterns.

Q

How much sand do I need under pavers?

You need 1 inch of bedding sand under pavers. For 100 sq ft, that's about 0.31 cubic yards or 500 lbs of sand. Also add polymeric sand for joints: about 50 lbs per 100 sq ft.

Q

How deep should the gravel base be for pavers?

Paver base depth depends on use: Patios need 4" gravel base. Driveways need 6-8" for vehicle weight. Add 1" sand leveling layer on top. Total excavation: 6-10 inches plus paver thickness.

Q

How much do pavers cost installed?

DIY paver cost: $3-6 per sq ft for materials (pavers, sand, gravel). Professional installation: $10-25 per sq ft total. Concrete pavers cost less than natural stone or permeable pavers.

Q

What paver pattern is best for driveways?

Herringbone (45° or 90°) is strongest for driveways due to interlocking. Running bond is easiest for DIY. Basketweave adds visual interest. Avoid stacked bond for driveways as it can shift under load.

Example Calculations

1Patio with 4x8 Brick Pavers (Running Bond)

Inputs

Length20 ft
Width12 ft
Paver Size4" x 8" Brick (0.222 sq ft)
PatternRunning Bond (+5% waste)
Base Depth4" (Patio)

Result

Pavers Needed1,137 pavers
Area240 sq ft
Pallets3
Bedding Sand0.74 yd³
Joint Sand120 lbs
Gravel Base2.96 yd³
Total Cost$731

Area = 20 × 12 = 240 sq ft. Pavers = ceil(240 / 0.222) = 1,082. With 5% waste = ceil(1,082 × 1.05) = 1,137 pavers. Pallets = ceil(1,137 / 540) = 3. Paver cost = 1,137 × $0.50 = $569. Sand + gravel = $162. Total = $731.

2Driveway with 12x12 Large Pavers (Herringbone 45)

Inputs

Length16 ft
Width16 ft
Paver Size12" x 12" Large (1.0 sq ft)
PatternHerringbone 45° (+10% waste)
Base Depth8" (Driveway)

Result

Pavers Needed282 pavers
Area256 sq ft
Pallets3
Bedding Sand0.79 yd³
Joint Sand128 lbs
Gravel Base6.32 yd³
Total Cost$1,005

Area = 16 × 16 = 256 sq ft. Pavers = ceil(256 / 1.0) = 256. With 10% waste = ceil(256 × 1.10) = 282 pavers. Pallets = ceil(282 / 120) = 3. Paver cost = 282 × $2.50 = $705. Sand = $47. Gravel = $253. Total = $1,005.

Formulas Used

Pavers Needed

Pavers = ceil(Area / Paver Size) × Waste Factor

Calculates the number of pavers including waste from cuts based on laying pattern.

Where:

Area= Project area in square feet (Length × Width)
Paver Size= Area of one paver in square feet
Waste Factor= 1.03 to 1.10 depending on pattern (e.g., 1.05 for running bond)

Gravel Base Volume

Gravel (yd³) = Area (m²) × Base Depth (m) × 1.30795

Calculates the cubic yards of gravel needed for the compacted base layer.

Where:

Area= Project area converted to square meters
Base Depth= 4" for patios, 6" for light vehicles, 8" for driveways

Total Material Cost

Total = (Pavers × Price) + (Sand yd³ × $35 + Joint lbs × $0.15) + (Gravel yd³ × $40)

Estimates the total cost of pavers, bedding sand, polymeric joint sand, and gravel base.

Where:

Pavers × Price= Number of pavers with waste times price per paver
Sand= 1" bedding layer plus 50 lbs joint sand per 100 sq ft
Gravel= Crushed gravel base at $40 per cubic yard

Complete Guide to Paver Installation

Paver patios and driveways add curb appeal and can last 25+ years with proper installation. The key is a well-compacted base layer that prevents settling and shifting.

Always excavate 6-10 inches below finished grade. Install landscape fabric, then 4-8 inches of compacted gravel, followed by 1 inch of leveling sand. Set pavers, then fill joints with polymeric sand.

Order 5-10% extra pavers for cuts and future repairs. Keep leftover pavers stored for matching replacements. Edge restraints are essential to prevent spreading over time.

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Last Updated: Feb 12, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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