Paver Calculator — How Many Pavers Do I Need?

Published: October 12, 2026

Enter your patio or walkway size to get the exact number of pavers, with waste. No sign-up, no data stored.

Quick answer: Area ÷ paver area + ~10% waste. A 12×12 ft patio with 12×12-inch pavers (1 sq ft each) needs about 159 pavers.

Pavers needed

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Area
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Base count
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With waste
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Est. cost
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How paver quantity is calculated

The math is simple and exact — no assumptions to adjust for:

Add waste for edge cuts, curved borders, and patterns. A herringbone or running-bond pattern wastes more than a straight grid because more pavers need cutting. Buy a little extra — pavers from different batches can vary in color.

Worked example: A 12×12 ft patio is 144 sq ft. A 12×12-inch paver covers 1 sq ft, so the base count is 144. Add 10% waste = 159 pavers. At $1.50 each, that's about $238.

Paver reference chart

Paver sizes and how many cover a square foot.

Common paver sizes → per sq ft

Paver sizePer sq ft
4×8 in (brick)4.5
6×6 in4
8×8 in2.25
12×12 in1
16×16 in0.56

Typical waste by layout

LayoutAdd for waste
Straight grid~5%
Standard patio~10%
Curved / herringbone~15%

Last updated: October 2026 · Paver counts are exact math; waste guidance reflects common practice. Confirm paver size and get a written quote from your supplier before ordering.

Paver calculator FAQ

How many pavers for a 10×10 patio?

100 sq ft. With 12×12-inch pavers that's 100 pavers, plus ~10% waste = 110. With 6×6-inch pavers, you'd need about 400 + waste.

What size pavers are best for a patio?

Large pavers (12×12 or 16×16) give a clean, modern look with fewer joints and less cutting. Smaller pavers (6×6, 4×8) suit traditional or curved designs but need more labor and waste.

Do I need to include edging in my count?

No — this calculator counts field pavers only. Add separate edging or border pavers if your design uses a distinct border, and account for any curves or cuts along the edges.

Should I order extra pavers?

Yes. Order 10% extra to cover cuts, breakage, and future repairs. Matching a paver color later can be impossible, so buy what you need now.

How much sand and base do I need?

You'll want about 4–6 inches of compacted gravel base plus a 1-inch leveling sand layer under the pavers, and joint sand on top. The exact amount depends on your soil and climate.

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