CONSTRUCTION · HARDSCAPE

Paving Calculator

Estimate the number of pavers, tons of base gravel, bedding sand, and total cost for your paving project. Includes a 10% waste factor for cuts and breakage.

LAST REVIEWED · APR 24, 2026 · BY D. MARQUEZ, P.E.
You need
991 pavers
Est. cost
$1,039
Project AreaReset
AreaTotal paving area
sq ft
Paver Size
Paver width
in
Paver length
in
Base & Waste
Base depth6" for patios, 8-10" driveways
in
Waste factor10% standard
%
Pricing
Price per paver
USD
Base gravel (per ton)
USD
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How the paving calculator works

The calculator divides your project area by the area of a single paver (accounting for waste) to determine the number of pavers. It also calculates the base gravel and bedding sand needed — the foundation layers that are critical for a long-lasting paver installation.

Proper paver base construction

  • Excavation — dig 7–9 inches below finished grade
  • Base gravel — 4–6 inches of compacted crushed stone (#21A)
  • Bedding sand — 1 inch of coarse concrete sand, screeded level
  • Pavers — set in pattern, compacted with plate vibrator
  • Joint sand — polymeric sand swept into joints, activated with water

Common paver sizes

The most popular paver size is 4×8 inches (Holland paver), which allows herringbone, basket-weave, and running bond patterns. Larger 6×6, 6×9, and 12×12 pavers cover ground faster but offer fewer pattern options.

Methodology. Paver area = (Width × Length) ÷ 144 sq ft. Pavers needed = ceil(Area × (1 + Waste%) ÷ Paver area). Base material = Area × Base depth (ft) ÷ 27 × 1.4 tons/yd³. Bedding sand = Area × 1" ÷ 12 ÷ 27 × 1.3 tons/yd³. Default waste: 10%.

Sources

  • ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) design guidelines
  • Crushed stone base density: 1.4 tons/yd³
  • Bedding sand density: 1.3 tons/yd³
  • Average paver prices: $0.50–$2.00 each for standard concrete pavers (2026)
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Frequently asked questions

How many pavers do I need for a 200 sq ft patio? +
With standard 4×8 pavers and 10% waste: each paver covers 0.22 sq ft, so 200 × 1.10 ÷ 0.22 = about 991 pavers. You'll also need roughly 5.2 tons of base gravel and 0.8 tons of bedding sand.
How deep should the base be for pavers? +
6 inches of compacted crushed stone base for patios and walkways. 8–10 inches for driveways. The base is the most important part of the installation — skimping here leads to settling and uneven pavers.
Can I lay pavers over concrete? +
Yes, but you'll skip the gravel base and use a thin layer of polymeric sand or paver adhesive instead. The concrete must be in good condition, properly graded for drainage, and free of major cracks.
What pattern should I use for a driveway? +
Herringbone (45° or 90°) is the strongest pattern for driveways because it distributes load across multiple pavers and resists shifting. Running bond and basket weave work for patios and walkways.
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