How this is calculated
Each paver plus its joint gap occupies a rectangle on the ground. Patio area divided by that footprint gives the raw count; waste covers cuts along edges and breakage.
The sand line assumes a thin bedding layer under the pavers — not the compacted gravel sub-base. Use the Gravel and Sand calculators for those layers.
Formula & methodology
Pavers = ceil((Patio area ÷ (paver + gap)²) × (1 + waste %)). Sand bed ≈ area × bedding depth.
Worked example
A 16 ft × 10 ft patio, 8 × 4 in pavers, 1/8 in gap
- 1.Patio = 160 ft²
- 2.Effective paver footprint ≈ 0.68 ft × 0.35 ft
- 3.Raw count ≈ 672 pavers; 8% waste → ~725 pavers
- 4.Sand bed at 1 in ≈ 0.6 yd³ — confirm with Sand Calculator
Frequently asked questions
How much paver waste?
8% suits a rectangle with a straight bond. Herringbone or diagonal layouts need 12–15%.
Gravel base under pavers?
Not in this count. A typical patio has 4–6 in of compacted gravel below the sand — use the Gravel Calculator.
Polymeric sand?
Joint sand for locking pavers is a separate product sold by the bag. This tool counts pavers and bedding sand only.
Different paver sizes?
Enter the actual dimensions from your supplier. Mixed-size patterns need a layout plan this simple grid math cannot replace.
Curved edges?
Rectangular math over-counts or under-counts on curves. Add 10–15% waste or sketch the layout and count a sample bay.
UK paving slabs?
Switch to metric and enter slab size in centimetres as sold at your merchant.
Last updated 2026-09-01. Formulas are planning methods — confirm with a supplier before you order.