Calculators / Hardscape
How many pavers for your patio?
Measure the patio and pick a paver. You'll get the paver count, the tons of base gravel, and the bags of sand to finish it.
Updated · How we check our numbers
Order this much
908 pavers
That's 4 x 8 in pavers over 192 sq ft with 5% extra. Under them goes 6 tons of base and 32 bags of sand. Dig about 9⅜ in down.
- Pavers
- 9084.5 per sq ft
- Base, 6 in
- 6 tons4.3 cu yd
- Bedding sand
- 32 bags0.6 cu yd
- Polymeric sand
- 5 bags50 lb
Estimate for planning only, not professional advice. Check the manufacturer’s instructions, your local code and a licensed professional before you buy, build or install. Use at your own risk. Terms.
area = 16 ft × 12 ft = 192 sq ft
pavers = 192 sq ft × 1.05 waste × (144 ÷ 32 sq in) = 908, rounded up
base = 192 sq ft × 6 in ÷ 12 × 1.2 for compaction ÷ 27 = 4.3 cu yd
base tons = 4.3 cu yd × 1.4 = 6 tons, up to the half ton
sand = 192 sq ft × 1 in ÷ 12 = 16 cu ft = 32 bags at 0.5 cu ft
poly sand = 192 sq ft ÷ 44 sq ft per bag = 5 bags
edging = 56 ft = 7 pieces at 8 ft
dig = 6 in base + 1 in sand + 2⅜ in paver = 9⅜ in
We added 5% for cuts. Go 10% if you lay herringbone or cut a curve.
Run the gravel base 6 in past the pavers on every side. The edge restraint needs something solid to spike into.
Pack the base 2 in at a time with a plate compactor. Rent one. A hand tamp won't get 6 in solid.
Sweep polymeric sand in dry, compact it, then mist it. At your paver size, figure about 44 sq ft per 50 lb bag.
See polymeric sand on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
6 tons is a dump truck load, not bags. Ask the yard for crusher run or 3/4 in minus base.
Plan on 56 ft of edge restraint with a spike every 12 in.
See paver edging on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)How we work it out
We work out the square feet, figure how many pavers cover one square foot, and add a little for cuts.
pavers = sq ft × 1.05 × (144 ÷ paver length × width)
Herringbone and curves get 10% instead of 5%. You cut a lot more at the edges.
base cubic yards = sq ft × depth in inches ÷ 12 × 1.2 ÷ 27
tons = cubic yards × 1.4
The 1.2 covers how much gravel packs down under the compactor. Go 4 to 6 in for a patio and 8 to 12 in for a driveway. Clay or wet ground takes the deep end.
bedding sand cubic feet = sq ft × 1 in ÷ 12
Polymeric sand coverage depends on the joints. Small pavers have more joint per square foot, so a bag covers less. We figure 35 to 75 sq ft per 50 lb bag.
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