DIYCalc

Paver Calculator

A 12x16 ft patio (192 sq ft) using standard 6x9 inch pavers requires approximately 513 pavers. With a 4-inch gravel base and 1-inch sand bed, you'll also need 2.37 cubic yards of gravel and 0.59 cubic yards of sand. Total materials cost: $800-$1,500.

Paver Calculator

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You Need

How to Calculate Pavers

Divide your total area in square inches by the face area of a single paver. Then add waste for cuts, especially around curves and edges.

Paver Size by Pavers per sq ft
Paver Size Pavers per sq ft Pavers per 100 sq ft Pattern
4x8 in4.5450Running bond, herringbone
6x6 in4.0400Grid, basketweave
6x9 in2.67267Running bond
8x8 in2.25225Grid, pinwheel
12x12 in1.0100Grid
16x16 in0.5656Grid with spacers
Base Layer by Depth
Base Layer Depth Cubic Yards per 100 sq ft
Compacted gravel4 in (patio)1.23
Compacted gravel6 in (driveway)1.85
Leveling sand1 in0.31
Polymeric sand (joints)N/A1 bag per 30-60 sq ft

Tips

  1. Add 10% waste for straight-edge rectangular areas and 15% for curves or diagonal patterns
  2. Compact gravel base in 2-inch lifts with a plate compactor for a solid foundation
  3. Edge restraints are essential to prevent pavers from shifting over time
  4. Run a string line for straight edges and check level every 4-6 feet
  5. Never cut more than 1/3 of a paver; use full pavers at edges wherever possible

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. 6x9 inch pavers need 2.67 per square foot. 12x12 inch pavers need exactly 1 per square foot. Always add 10% for cuts and waste.

How much gravel do I need under pavers?

Plan 4 inches of compacted gravel base for a patio and 6 inches for a driveway. For a 200 sq ft patio: 200 x (4/12) / 27 = 2.47 cubic yards of gravel, plus 0.62 cubic yards of leveling sand.

How much does a paver patio cost?

DIY paver patio materials cost $4-$8 per square foot including pavers, base gravel, and sand. Professional installation runs $12-$25 per square foot. A 200 sq ft patio costs $800-$1,600 DIY or $2,400-$5,000 installed.

How many pavers come on a pallet?

A standard pallet holds 400-560 pavers depending on size. For 4x8 inch pavers, a pallet typically covers 90-120 square feet. For 6x9 inch pavers, about 120-160 square feet per pallet.

What is polymeric sand and how much do I need?

Polymeric sand is a special joint sand that hardens when activated with water, preventing weeds and insects. One 50-lb bag covers 30-60 sq ft depending on joint width. A 200 sq ft patio needs 4-7 bags.

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