Paver Calculator

Calculate pavers needed by area, paver size, and pattern. See base material and cost estimate.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated September 2026 · Source: HomeAdvisor

ft
ft
Paver Size
Pattern
%

Pavers Needed

1,553

Pallets

4

Estimated Cost

$2,400.00 - $4,500.00

Paver Calculation

Total Area300 sq ft
Pavers (before waste)1,350
Waste (15%)+ 203
Total Pavers Needed1,553
Pallets4

Base Materials Needed

Gravel Base (4" depth)3.7 cubic yards
Bedding Sand (1" depth)0.9 cubic yards
Edge Restraints70 linear feet
Installed Cost Estimate$8 - $15 per sq ft
Total Estimate$2,400.00 - $4,500.00

Use the Paver Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only. Results are estimates from the numbers you enter and the assumptions described on this page; check them against local building codes, product specifications and current prices, and have structural, electrical or gas work designed or checked by a licensed professional.

How It Works

The Paver Calculator estimates the number of pavers and the amount of base materials needed for your project. This is crucial for accurate budgeting, preventing material shortages, and avoiding costly over-ordering, ensuring your paving project stays on track and within budget.

The calculator multiplies the project area (length x width) by the pavers per square foot for the size you pick: 4.5 for 4x8", 4 for 6x6", 2.67 for 6x9" and 1 for 12x12". It adds your waste factor plus a pattern allowance (5% for running bond or basket weave, 10% for herringbone), rounds up, and converts the count to pallets. Base materials are a fixed 4-inch gravel base and 1-inch sand bed in cubic yards, with no waste added, and the cost is shown as $8-$15 per square foot installed.

Always add 5-10% to your paver count for cuts and breakage, especially for complex patterns. Don't forget to account for edge restraints and geotextile fabric, which are essential for long-lasting paver installations.

Example: Paving a Patio

  1. 1 Input: A patio 15 feet long and 10 feet wide, 12x12" pavers, running bond, 10% waste factor.
  2. 2 Pavers: 15 × 10 = 150 sq ft × 1 paver per sq ft = 150. Waste: 10% + 5% for running bond = 15%, so 150 × 1.15 = 172.5, rounded up to 173 pavers, or 2 pallets of 100.
  3. 3 Base: gravel 150 × (4 ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards (shown as 1.9); sand 150 × (1 ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 0.46 cubic yards (shown as 0.5); 50 linear feet of edge restraint for the perimeter.
  4. 4 Cost: 150 sq ft × $8-$15 = $1,200-$2,250 installed.

Source: HomeAdvisor · Last updated: September 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pavers do I need per square foot?
It depends on paver size. Standard 4x8 inch pavers require 4.5 per square foot. Larger 6x9 inch pavers need about 2.7 per square foot. 12x12 inch pavers need exactly 1 per square foot. Always add 5-10% for cuts and waste.
How much does a paver patio cost per square foot in 2026?
This calculator uses $8-$15 per square foot installed, so a 150 sq ft patio comes to $1,200-$2,250. It does not price a DIY job.
How much base material do I need under pavers?
You need 4-6 inches of compacted gravel base plus 1 inch of bedding sand. At 4 inches the gravel comes to about 1.2 cubic yards per 100 square feet, and the sand to about 0.3 cubic yards. The gravel base is critical for drainage and preventing settling.

You might also need

Concrete Calculator

Calculate cubic yards of concrete needed for slabs, columns, and steps. See bags needed and estimated cost.

Paint Calculator

Calculate gallons of paint needed for a room. Accounts for doors, windows, and number of coats.

Flooring Calculator

Calculate flooring material needed and cost for hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile, or carpet.