Multiply the patio width by length for the total area. Find one paver's area (width x length). Divide patio area by paver area and round up. A 10 ft x 12 ft patio (120 sq ft) with 6x6 in pavers (0.25 sq ft each) needs 120 / 0.25 = 480 pavers.
Free tool
Paver calculator
Enter your project area and a paver size to get the paver count, a waste buffer, and a material cost estimate. No sign-up.
Total pavers to order
528
Estimated material cost
$264.00
Total area
120.0 sq ft
Pavers per sq ft
4.00
Pavers (no waste)
480
Waste buffer
10%
Installation is typically $8–$20 per sq ft on top of materials.
How to use the paver calculator
Four steps to estimate how many pavers you need and what they cost for a patio, walkway, driveway, or pool deck.
- 1
Measure your project area
Pick a single rectangle, a square, or a shape you can split into identical rectangles. Enter the width and length and the calculator returns the total square footage.
For an irregular shape that won't split into identical rectangles, measure each section with the single-rectangle option and add the totals.
- 2
Set the paver size
Enter the width and length of one paver. The common size is 4 in x 8 in (10 cm x 20 cm); options run from 4 in x 4 in up to 14 in x 14 in. Switch between inches and centimeters to match your supplier. The sizes table below lists standard dimensions.
Haven't bought pavers yet? The 4 in x 8 in brick is the most flexible, from running bond to herringbone.
- 3
Check the paver count
With area and paver size set, you get two numbers: pavers per square foot and the total pavers for the project. Use the waste slider to add 5–15% for cuts, breakage, and pattern adjustments.
Diagonal layouts like 45° herringbone need more edge cuts, so use 15% waste for angled patterns.
- 4
Estimate material cost
Enter the price per paver for a material cost estimate. Pavers usually run $0.30 to $2.00 each depending on material. Professional installation typically adds $8 to $20 per square foot.
Buy from one batch for consistent color, and order 10–15% extra so you have replacements for repairs.
Common paver sizes
Standard dimensions and how many of each fit in a square foot.
| Size | Dimensions | Area | Per sq ft | Thickness | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard brick | 4×8 in (10×20 cm) | 0.22 sq ft | 4.5 | 2 in | Herringbone, running bond |
| Standard square | 6×6 in (15×15 cm) | 0.25 sq ft | 4 | 2 in | Patios, walkways |
| Medium rectangle | 6×9 in (15×23 cm) | 0.38 sq ft | 2.67 | 2 in | Driveways, large patios |
| Medium square | 8×8 in (20×20 cm) | 0.44 sq ft | 2.25 | 2 in | Patios, pool decks |
| Large square | 12×12 in (30×30 cm) | 1 sq ft | 1 | 2 in | Modern patios, stepping stones |
| Extra-large square | 14×14 in (36×36 cm) | 1.36 sq ft | 0.74 | 3 in | Statement patios, courtyards |
| Large rectangle | 12×18 in (30×46 cm) | 1.5 sq ft | 0.67 | 1.5 in | Contemporary designs, driveways |
Worked example
A real walk-through. Sarah is paving a plus-shaped backyard patio. She splits it into five identical 15 ft x 15 ft squares.
- 1
Total patio area
The patio splits into 5 identical 15 ft x 15 ft sections. Multiply the section size by the number of sections.
- Formula
- Area = width × length × sections
- Calculation
- 15 ft × 15 ft × 5 = 1,125 sq ft
- Result
- Total area: 1,125 sq ft
- 2
Pavers per square foot
Sarah picked 6 in x 6 in squares. Each covers 36 sq in. There are 144 sq in in a square foot, so divide 144 by the single-paver area.
- Formula
- Pavers per sq ft = 144 ÷ (paver width × length)
- Calculation
- 144 ÷ (6 × 6) = 4
- Result
- 4 pavers per square foot
- 3
Total pavers
Multiply pavers per square foot by the total area. Round up when it isn't whole; trim the extra to fit edges.
- Formula
- Total pavers = pavers per sq ft × area
- Calculation
- 4 × 1,125 = 4,500
- Result
- 4,500 pavers (before waste)
- 4
Add waste and material cost
Sarah adds a 10% waste factor for cuts and breakage. At $0.50 per paver, she multiplies the adjusted count by the unit price.
- Formula
- Cost = (pavers × 1.10) × price
- Calculation
- 4,500 × 1.10 = 4,950 → 4,950 × $0.50 = $2,475
- Result
- Material cost: $2,475 (with 10% waste)
- 5
Estimate installation
For professional installation at about $10 per square foot, multiply the area by the rate and add it to the material cost.
- Formula
- Install = area × cost per sq ft
- Calculation
- 1,125 × $10 = $11,250 → $2,475 + $11,250 = $13,725
- Result
- Total project: $13,725 (materials + install)
A note on using the calculator
Paving runs into surprises. To avoid extra trips to the store, buy at least 10% more pavers than the calculator suggests. For complex patterns or curved edges, raise that buffer to 15–20%.
Pavers aren't the only material. Budget for bedding sand under the pavers, crushed gravel for the compacted base, polymeric sand for the joints, and edge restraints. A full material list saves time and money.
Popular paver patterns
Each pattern changes the cut waste and the look. Plan the waste buffer accordingly.
Staggered running bond
EasyEach row offsets by half a paver for a classic brick-wall look. The staggered joints spread weight and resist shifting.
Typical waste: 5% · Best for: Walkways, paths, borders
Stacked running bond
EasyPavers in straight, uniform rows with no offset. A clean modern layout that installs fast with few cuts.
Typical waste: 3% · Best for: Contemporary patios, modern designs
90° herringbone
MediumRectangular pavers interlocked in a 90-degree zigzag. Strong structural interlock for heavy foot or vehicle traffic.
Typical waste: 10% · Best for: Driveways, high-traffic areas
45° herringbone
HardThe same zigzag rotated 45 degrees for a diamond effect. Maximum interlock strength, more edge cuts.
Typical waste: 15% · Best for: Driveways, commercial areas
Basketweave
MediumAlternating pairs of horizontal and vertical pavers form a woven look. A timeless, symmetrical pattern.
Typical waste: 5% · Best for: Patios, garden paths, courtyards
Parquet
MediumGroups of pavers in alternating square blocks, like parquet flooring. Adds variety on a structured grid.
Typical waste: 5% · Best for: Patios, entryways, pool decks
Why choose pavers for your patio?
Extremely durable
Concrete and brick pavers handle 8,000+ PSI and outlast poured concrete by decades.
Weather resistant
Pavers take freeze-thaw cycles without cracking, unlike solid concrete that heaves and splits.
Low maintenance
Damaged pavers can be swapped one at a time, and the joints drain naturally to prevent pooling.
Design versatility
Dozens of colors, shapes, and patterns to match any home style or landscape.
Adds property value
A professional paver install can add 5–10% to property value through curb appeal.
Eco-friendly options
Permeable pavers cut stormwater runoff and recharge groundwater.
Pro tips for paver installation
Always add extra for waste
Order 10–15% more pavers than calculated. Cuts, breakage during install, and future repairs all use extra.
Compact the base properly
Plate-compact 4–6 inches of crushed gravel. A solid base prevents settling and uneven surfaces.
Use edge restraints
Install restraints before laying pavers. Without them the field spreads and joints widen over time.
Mind the joint spacing
Keep 1/8 inch gaps for polymeric sand. Consistent spacing keeps the look clean and the interlock tight.
Check the drainage slope
Keep a 1% slope (1/8 inch per foot) away from structures so water doesn't reach the foundation.
Start from a straight edge
Begin at the most visible straight edge, like a house wall, and work outward so cuts land where they show least.
Written by
OutdoorBrite Team
Landscape design · AI landscape planning tools
Reviewed by
Sarah Mitchell
Certified landscape designer · 15+ years in residential hardscaping
Frequently asked questions
Common paver questions, answered.
81 pavers. Patio area: 12 ft x 12 ft = 144 sq ft. One paver: 16 in x 16 in = 256 sq in = 1.78 sq ft. 144 / 1.78 = 81 pavers.
100 pavers. Each 12x12 in paver covers 1 sq ft (144 sq in). 100 / 1 = 100. Add 10% for waste: 110 pavers.
It depends on size. 4x8 in brick: about 4.5 per sq ft. 6x6 in: 4 per sq ft. 12x12 in: 1 per sq ft. The calculator above gives the exact count for your dimensions.
No. With the same area and paver size, 45-degree layouts need more pavers than 90-degree ones because diagonal edges require extra cuts, usually 10–15% more waste.
10% is standard for running bond and stacked bond. Use 15% for 90-degree herringbone or curved edges. For 45-degree herringbone or complex cuts, plan up to 20%.
Materials run about $3–$6 per sq ft for basic concrete pavers and $8–$15 for premium natural stone. Professional install adds $8–$20 per sq ft. A 200 sq ft patio averages $2,000–$5,000 installed.
Herringbone (90 or 45 degrees) is strongest for driveways because the interlocking zigzag spreads vehicle weight and resists shifting. Running bond works for lighter residential driveways.
Yes. Use 4–6 inches of compacted crushed gravel topped with 1 inch of leveling sand. Without a solid base, pavers settle, crack, and drain poorly. The base is the most important part of the job.
Standard patio pavers are 2 inches (5 cm), fine for foot traffic. For vehicles, use at least 3 inches (7.6 cm). The 14x14 in format is usually 3 inches; 12x18 in pavers are often 1.5 inches.
Yes, over sound, level concrete that drains well. Add a thin bedding-sand layer, then lay the pavers. Check the final height against doorways and steps so you don't create trip hazards.
A well-installed paver patio lasts 25–50 years or more. Keys: a compacted gravel base, a good drainage slope, and re-sanding joints every 2–3 years. Damaged pavers can be replaced individually.
For 200 sq ft, about 133 bags (0.5 cu ft each). Multiply area by base depth in feet, then divide by bag size. Base is 4 in for patios, 6 in for driveways. 200 sq ft x 0.33 ft = 66 cu ft / 0.5 = 132, round to 133 and buy extra for compaction loss (10–15%).
For 200 sq ft, about 34 bags of bedding sand (0.5 cu ft each). Area x depth in feet / bag size. Bedding sand is 1 inch deep: 200 sq ft x 0.083 ft = 16.6 cu ft / 0.5 = 34. You also need polymeric sand for joints, roughly 1 bag per 25–30 sq ft.
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