Find paver coverage
The joint is added to each paver dimension before converting square inches to square feet.
Pavers = area ÷ ((L + joint) × (W + joint) ÷ 144)Paver calculator
Turn patio dimensions into a planning estimate for pavers, pallets, base gravel, bedding sand, joint sand and cost.
Your estimate
For a 240 sq ft patio
PAVERS TO ORDER—including waste
FULL PALLETS—at 480 each
- Base gravel—
- Bedding sand—
- Polymeric sand—
- Paver cost (exact count)Add a unit price
- Paver cost (full pallets)—
Volume estimates include 10% extra for compaction and handling. Joint-sand coverage is a planning estimate; verify the bag label for your paver and joint dimensions.
How the paver estimate works
The calculation follows the same order as a materials takeoff: finished area, unit coverage, pattern waste, then foundation layers.
Add cutting waste
Waste covers edge cuts, breakage, color blending and a few replacement pavers for later repairs.
Order quantity = raw pavers × (1 + waste %)Build the foundation
Depth converts the patio footprint to cubic feet, then to cubic yards. We add 10% for handling and compaction.
Cubic yards = area × depth ÷ 12 ÷ 27 × 1.10Pavers per square foot quick chart
Use these planning figures for common rectangular pavers. Counts include a ⅛-inch joint but do not include waste.
| Paver size | Nominal face area | Pavers / sq ft | For 100 sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 8 in | 32 sq in | 4.30 | 430 |
| 6 × 6 in | 36 sq in | 3.84 | 384 |
| 6 × 9 in | 54 sq in | 2.58 | 258 |
| 12 × 12 in | 144 sq in | 0.98 | 98 |
Actual manufactured dimensions can differ from the nominal size. For the closest estimate, choose Custom size and enter the dimensions from the product specification.
Choose waste by pattern—not guesswork
Straight layouts preserve more full pavers. Angled and curved layouts create more offcuts that cannot be reused.
Pattern allowance
The calculator starts at the midpoint of a practical range. Increase it for many corners, narrow borders or fragile material.
Running bond5%Few angled cuts; most offcuts can start the next row.
Herringbone10–15%45° or 90° edge cuts create more partial units. We start at 12.5%.
Circular15–20%Curved edges and radial courses produce small, hard-to-reuse pieces.
Curves and irregular areas
For an L-shape, split the footprint into rectangles and add their areas before entering equivalent length and width. For a circle, first calculate area as π × radius².
- Use 15–20% waste for circular patios, sweeping paths and fan patterns.
- Order all pavers from one production lot when color consistency matters.
- Keep spare pavers from the same lot for future repairs.
- Confirm edge restraint, geotextile and drainage needs separately.
Where to buy materials
Compare paver color, thickness, pallet coverage and delivery access before ordering.
Home Depot
Browse local pavers, base materials, bedding sand and polymeric joint sand.
Partner links coming soonLowe's
Compare in-stock patio pavers, bulk base gravel and installation supplies.
Partner links coming soonAffiliate disclosure: Some future links on this page may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, LarkKit may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. No affiliate shopping links are active here yet.
Paver calculator FAQ
Practical answers for ordering and preparing a patio or walkway.
How much extra should I allow for paver waste?
Plan about 5% for a simple running bond in a square or rectangular area, 10–15% for herringbone, and 15–20% for curves, circles or layouts with many cuts. Complex borders and fragile pavers may justify more.
Why does herringbone need more waste?
A herringbone field meets most straight edges at an angle, producing more triangular or partial cuts. Some offcuts are too small or incorrectly oriented to reuse, so a 10–15% allowance is typical for planning.
How thick should the gravel base be under pavers?
Four inches of compacted aggregate is a common starting point for a pedestrian patio on stable, well-draining soil. Walkways, poor soil, freeze-thaw climates and vehicle loads can require a thicker engineered base. Follow local guidance and the paver manufacturer's specification.
How many pavers come on a pallet?
It varies widely by paver size, thickness and manufacturer—often a few hundred pieces. Use the exact pieces-per-pallet figure on the product listing or pallet tag. The calculator defaults to 480 pieces only as a starting point.
How much polymeric sand do I need?
Coverage depends on paver size, joint width, joint depth and bag weight. Smaller pavers have more joint length per square foot and use more sand. This calculator gives a rough 50-pound-bag estimate based on a 4 × 8-inch paver with ⅛-inch joints; always check the product coverage chart.
How wide should paver joints be?
Many interlocking concrete pavers use joints around ⅛ inch, while some products and permeable systems require wider gaps. Built-in spacer bars do not replace the manufacturer's joint specification. Match the joint sand to the permitted joint width.
Does the estimate include edge restraints and fabric?
No. The result covers pavers, a compacted aggregate base, bedding sand and approximate joint sand. Edge restraint, spikes, geotextile, drainage, excavation disposal, equipment and labor should be estimated separately.
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