Paver Calculator

Enter the area and paver size and get the paver count, materials for the sub-base, and an optional cost.

The joint gap is included in the calculation, which most simple estimates leave out.

How to use the paver calculator

Enter the patio area and your paver dimensions.

Set the joint gap and base depths.

Read pavers, base gravel and bedding sand.

Why use the Build Tally paver calculator

Base and bedding

Calculates the gravel and sand as well as the pavers.

Joint gap included

Small gaps change the count more than you would expect.

Edge restraint

Approximate perimeter length given.

Cost estimate

Price per paver in any currency.

Building up a paver base

The pavers are the visible part; the base is what determines whether the patio still looks good in five years. A typical build-up is 4–6 inches of compacted crushed stone for a patio (8–12 inches for a driveway), then 1 inch of coarse bedding sand screeded flat, then the pavers, then jointing sand swept in. Skimping on base depth or compaction is the single most common cause of sunken, uneven paving.

Waste and cuts

Ten percent is the standard allowance for a rectangular area with straight edges. Increase it to 15% for curved edges, circular features or a herringbone pattern laid diagonally, all of which produce far more cut pieces. Buying from one batch matters for colour consistency, and it is worth keeping a few spare pavers after the job for future repairs.

Edge restraint is not optional

Without an edge restraint, the outer pavers creep outward under load and the whole field gradually loosens and spreads. Plastic or aluminium restraint spiked into the base along every open edge is inexpensive and prevents the problem entirely. The calculator gives an approximate perimeter figure so you can order it.

Read the guide: How Much Gravel Do I Need? Tons, Cubic Yards and the Right Depth

Frequently asked questions

How many pavers do I need?

Divide the area by the size of one paver including its joint gap. Enter your dimensions above and the calculator handles it with waste included.

How deep should a paver base be?

Four to six inches of compacted gravel for a patio; eight to twelve for a driveway, over a well-compacted subgrade.

How much sand goes under pavers?

One inch of coarse bedding sand, screeded flat. Do not use extra sand to level an uneven base.

How much waste should I allow for pavers?

Ten percent for straight rectangular areas, and 15% for curves, circles or diagonal patterns.

Do I need edge restraint?

Yes. Without it, edge pavers shift outward over time and the whole area loosens.

What is polymeric sand for?

It fills the joints after laying and hardens when wetted, locking pavers together and resisting weeds and washout.