Free Paver Calculator

Quickly estimate the number of pavers needed for your patio, walkway, or driveway project. Our calculator helps you determine material quantities, costs, and layout options.

🧱 Step 1: Select Your Paver Type

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Standard Brick Paver

4" × 8" (Most common)

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Square Paver

6" × 6"

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Large Rectangle

6" × 9"

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Custom Size

Enter dimensions

🔄 Step 2: Choose Your Pattern

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Running Bond

Classic brick pattern

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Herringbone

45° or 90° angles

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Basket Weave

Alternating pairs

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Random/Ashlar

Mixed sizes

📏 Step 3: Enter Your Project Dimensions

ft
ft
in
$

Calculation Results

Total Area: 200 square feet
Pavers Needed: 900 pavers
With Waste Factor (10%): 990 pavers
Sand Needed (1" depth): 0.62 cubic yards
Estimated Cost: $742.50

👁️ Paver Layout Visualization

This visualization shows how your selected pavers will look in the chosen pattern:

💡 Pro Tip

Different patterns require different amounts of cutting. Herringbone patterns typically require more cuts along the edges, increasing your waste factor. Running bond patterns are more efficient and require fewer cuts.

📝 How to Use This Paver Calculator

  1. Select your paver type from the common options or enter custom dimensions
  2. Choose your preferred pattern (running bond, herringbone, basket weave, or random)
  3. Select your preferred unit system (Imperial or Metric)
  4. Choose the shape of your area and enter the dimensions
  5. Specify the joint width between pavers
  6. Select a waste factor appropriate for your project complexity
  7. Enter the price per paver to calculate total cost
  8. Click "Calculate" to get your results

The calculator will provide the total number of pavers needed, amount of sand required, and estimated cost for your project.

⚠️ Important Note

This calculator provides estimates only. For large or complex projects, it's recommended to consult with a professional contractor to determine exact requirements based on site conditions and specific materials.

🧱 Paver Types and Patterns

Common Paver Types

Standard Brick Pavers

Dimensions: 4" × 8" × 2.25"

Best for: Walkways, patios, traditional looks

Properties: Durable, classic appearance, versatile for patterns

Square Pavers

Dimensions: 6" × 6" × 2.25"

Best for: Modern designs, grid patterns

Properties: Clean lines, contemporary look, easy installation

Large Rectangle Pavers

Dimensions: 6" × 9" × 2.25"

Best for: Driveways, large patios

Properties: Substantial appearance, fewer pieces needed, good for high-traffic areas

Permeable Pavers

Dimensions: Various

Best for: Eco-friendly projects, areas with drainage concerns

Properties: Allow water infiltration, reduce runoff, environmentally sustainable

Popular Paver Patterns

Pattern Description Difficulty Waste Factor
Running Bond Classic brick pattern with offset rows Easy 5-10%
Herringbone Zigzag pattern at 45° or 90° angles Moderate 10-15%
Basket Weave Alternating pairs of pavers Easy 5-10%
Random/Ashlar Mixed sizes in a repeating pattern Difficult 15-20%
Circular Radiating pattern from center point Very Difficult 20-25%

💡 Pattern Selection Tip

For driveways and high-traffic areas, herringbone patterns provide the best structural integrity and load distribution. For patios and walkways, any pattern works well, so you can choose based on aesthetic preference.

🚧 Installation Guide

Materials Needed

Tools Needed

Installation Steps

  1. Plan and mark your area using stakes and string
  2. Excavate the area to a depth of 7-9" for patios/walkways or 9-12" for driveways
  3. Add and compact a 4-6" layer of base material (crushed stone/gravel)
  4. Add a 1" layer of bedding sand and level it
  5. Install edge restraints around the perimeter
  6. Lay pavers in your chosen pattern, starting from a corner or edge
  7. Cut pavers as needed for edges and obstacles
  8. Compact the pavers using a plate compactor with a rubber mat
  9. Spread jointing sand over the surface and sweep into joints
  10. Mist the surface with water to settle the sand
  11. Apply sealer (optional) after 2-3 days

⚠️ Important Note

Always ensure proper drainage by creating a slight slope away from buildings (about 1/4" per foot). This prevents water pooling and potential damage to your paver installation and adjacent structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pavers do I need per square foot?
The number of pavers needed per square foot depends on the paver size. For standard 4" × 8" brick pavers, you'll need approximately 4.5 pavers per square foot. For 6" × 6" square pavers, you'll need about 4 pavers per square foot. For 6" × 9" pavers, you'll need approximately 2.4 pavers per square foot. These calculations include standard 1/4" joints between pavers.
How much does a paver patio cost per square foot?
A paver patio typically costs between $10 and $20 per square foot for DIY installation, including materials (pavers, sand, gravel, edge restraints). For professional installation, expect to pay between $15 and $30 per square foot, depending on paver type, pattern complexity, site conditions, and your location. Premium pavers or complex designs can increase costs to $25-$50 per square foot.
What is the best base for a paver patio?
The best base for a paver patio is a layer of compacted crushed stone or gravel (typically #57 stone or 3/4" crushed gravel) at a depth of 4-6 inches. This should be compacted in 2-inch layers to achieve maximum stability. On top of this base, add a 1-inch layer of coarse bedding sand (concrete sand, not play sand) as the setting bed for the pavers.
How deep should I dig for a paver patio?
For a paver patio, you should dig to a depth of 7-9 inches below your desired finished height. This allows for 4-6 inches of base material, 1 inch of bedding sand, and the thickness of your pavers (typically 2-2.5 inches). For driveways or areas with heavy traffic, increase the base depth to 6-8 inches, resulting in a total excavation depth of 9-12 inches.
What pattern requires the least cutting?
The running bond pattern (traditional brick pattern) typically requires the least cutting, especially for rectangular areas. Stack bond (grid pattern) also minimizes cuts for square areas. Herringbone patterns require more cutting, particularly along the edges. For any pattern, designing your project dimensions to align with paver sizes can significantly reduce the amount of cutting needed.
How much sand do I need for paver joints?
For jointing sand, you'll need approximately 0.5 to 1 pound per square foot of paver area, depending on the joint width and paver size. For standard 1/4" joints, plan for about 0.75 pounds per square foot. A 50-pound bag of polymeric sand typically covers 75-100 square feet. It's always better to have extra sand on hand to ensure complete filling of all joints.
Should I seal my paver patio?
Sealing a paver patio is recommended but not required. Benefits of sealing include: 1) Enhanced color and appearance, 2) Protection against stains from oil, food, and leaf tannins, 3) Reduced weed growth and ant activity in joints, 4) Prevention of joint sand erosion, and 5) Easier cleaning and maintenance. Wait at least 60-90 days after installation before sealing new pavers to allow efflorescence to dissipate. Reapply sealer every 3-5 years for optimal protection.