How many pavers do I need?
Area per paver (sq ft) = (paver length + gap) × (paver width + gap) ÷ 144
Pavers = patio area ÷ area per paver × (1 + waste %)
Base (cu ft) = area × base depth (in) ÷ 12 · Sand (cu ft) = area × sand depth (in) ÷ 12
Pavers are sold by the piece, by the square foot or by the pallet. The calculator gives the number of pieces, so you can compare offers, and adds the two layers under them: a compacted aggregate base and a thin bedding layer of sand.
Worked example: 12 × 12 ft patio with 4 × 8 in pavers
- Area: 12 × 12 = 144 sq ft.
- Each 4 × 8 in paver covers 32 sq in = 0.222 sq ft, so 4.5 pavers per sq ft: 144 × 4.5 = 648 pavers.
- With 10% waste: 648 × 1.10 = 712.8, so 713 pavers.
- Base, 4 in deep: 144 × 4 ÷ 12 = 48 cu ft = 1.78 cu yd, about 2.5 tons at 1.4 tons per yard.
- Sand, 1 in deep: 144 ÷ 12 = 12 cu ft = 0.44 cu yd.
Pavers per square foot
| Paver size | Pavers per sq ft |
|---|---|
| 4 × 8 in (brick-size) | 4.5 |
| 6 × 6 in | 4 |
| 6 × 9 in | 2.67 |
| 12 × 12 in | 1 |
| 16 × 16 in | 0.56 |
| 12 × 24 in | 0.5 |
How deep should the base be?
Guidance from the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) calls for a compacted aggregate base of about 4 to 6 in for patios and walkways, and around 8 in or more for driveways, with thicker bases on clay or poorly draining soil and in cold climates. On top of the base goes a bedding layer of coarse, washed concrete sand about 1 in thick, screeded level but not compacted before the pavers are laid. Polymeric or joint sand is swept into the joints at the end.
Excavation depth
Dig down the base depth, plus the sand, plus the paver thickness, minus any height you want the patio above the ground. For 4 in of base, 1 in of sand and pavers 2⅜ in thick (60 mm, a common size), excavate about 7.4 in below the finished surface. Slope the patio away from the house, commonly about 1/8 to 1/4 in per foot, so water drains.
Edges and waste
A straight running-bond or stack pattern wastes little. Herringbone and other patterns at 45° need cuts along every edge, and curved borders add more. Plan for 10% on a typical rectangular patio and 15% for herringbone or curves. You will also need edge restraints around the perimeter (48 ft of edging for this 12 × 12 patio, less any side against the house wall).
Step by step: planning a patio
- Mark the patio outline with string and stakes, and measure its length and width.
- Choose the paver and pattern; measure a sample paver.
- Decide on the base depth for your soil and use (patio, walkway or driveway).
- Order pavers with a waste allowance, plus base aggregate, bedding sand, joint sand and edging.
- Plan the slope away from buildings before you dig.
Common mistakes
- Skipping or under-compacting the base, the most common cause of sunken and uneven patios.
- Using too much sand. A thick sand layer moves under load; keep it near 1 in.
- Using nominal sizes. Measure the actual paver; many metric pavers are slightly smaller than the inch sizes they are sold as.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need for a 12×12 patio?
With 4 × 8 in pavers, 144 sq ft × 4.5 = 648 pavers, and 713 with 10% waste. With 12 × 12 in pavers it is 144, or 159 with waste.
How many 4×8 pavers are in a square foot?
4.5 pavers, because each covers 32 sq in and a square foot is 144 sq in.
How much gravel do I need under pavers?
A 4 in compacted base under a 144 sq ft patio is 48 cu ft, or 1.78 cu yd (about 2.5 tons). Use 6 in or more on clay or for driveways.
How much sand do I need for pavers?
About 1 in of bedding sand: 1 cu ft for every 12 sq ft of patio. A 144 sq ft patio needs 12 cu ft, about 0.44 cu yd.
How many pavers are in a pallet?
It depends on the product: a pallet usually covers somewhere between 80 and 150 sq ft. Divide your patio area plus waste by the pallet coverage the supplier states.
Sources
- Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI), Tech Spec 2: Construction of Interlocking Concrete Pavements (base thickness, bedding sand).
- Paver manufacturers' installation guides (typical paver dimensions and coverage per pallet).
Last reviewed 20 October 2026. Results are estimates; see our disclaimer.