A patio paver calculator tells you exactly how many pavers to order, plus sand and gravel base quantities. Choose a pattern — running bond, herringbone, basketweave, or stacked — and the calculator adjusts waste for edge cuts automatically.
Patio Paver Calculator
Patio Dimensions
Pattern extra waste is added automatically below.
Layout Pattern
Classic offset rows — easiest to install, minimal waste
Waste breakdown will appear here.
Base Material Estimates
Sand and gravel depths are standard recommendations. Driveways need 6–8" gravel. Add 10–15% for compaction loss.
Verify quantities with your supplier before ordering. Irregular shapes — add the areas of each section separately and sum the totals.
How to Calculate Patio Pavers
A patio paver calculator saves time and prevents costly under-ordering or excess waste. The key is accounting for both the base paver count and the waste factor — which varies significantly by pattern. A 16×12 ft patio with 12×12 inch pavers needs 192 base pavers; add 10% waste for running bond (212 total) or 25% for 45° herringbone (240 total).
Step 1: Measure Your Patio Area
Enter the length and width of your patio in feet (or meters with metric mode on). For L-shaped or irregular patios, split into rectangles, calculate each section separately, and add the paver counts together. The calculator handles the area, paver size, and waste factor automatically.
Step 2: Choose Your Paver Size
Common sizes: 12×12" is the classic square — easy to install and widely available. 16×16" gives a modern, larger-format look with fewer joints. 12×6" brick-style pavers work well for running bond and herringbone patterns. Use the custom option for non-standard sizes.
Step 3: Select a Pattern
The pattern affects how much waste you'll need for edge cuts:
- Running Bond — offset rows, minimal edge cuts, great for beginners
- Stacked Bond — straight grid, fewest cuts, modern aesthetic
- Herringbone 90° — classic V-pattern, stronger under vehicle load, +5% waste
- Herringbone 45° — diagonal V-pattern, elegant but +15% edge cut waste
- Basketweave — alternating pairs, decorative look, +5% waste
Step 4: Review Materials
Beyond pavers, every patio needs a proper base. The calculator estimates 1 inch of bedding sand (for leveling under pavers) and a 4 inch compactable gravel base (for drainage and stability). Driveways require a 6–8 inch gravel base. Always add 10–15% to sand and gravel quantities to account for compaction during installation.
FAQ
How do I calculate how many pavers I need?
Divide the patio area by the area of one paver (both in the same units), then add 10% for waste and cuts. This calculator handles the math including unit conversions.
How many pavers come in a square foot?
It depends on paver size. A 12×12 inch paver covers exactly 1 sq ft (1 paver per sq ft). A 6×6 paver covers 0.25 sq ft (4 pavers per sq ft). An 8×8 paver covers 0.44 sq ft (about 2.25 per sq ft).
How much extra should I buy?
Buy 10% extra for standard running bond patterns. Buy 15% extra for diagonal or herringbone patterns. Add 5% more if the patio has curves or complex shapes.
Do I need a base material under pavers?
Yes. A standard patio base consists of 4-6 inches of compacted gravel sub-base, 1 inch of bedding sand, and the pavers. Proper base prevents settling and weed growth.
Is this calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required.