Brick Paver Calculator — Bricks Per Patio
Estimate clay brick pavers for a patio or walkway. Uses true 4×8-inch paver face dimensions with adjustable joint size and a 10% waste factor.
Enter Dimensions
Polymeric sand joints: 1/4 in typical
Use 10% for simple shapes, 15% for cuts
Results
Pavers Needed
264pavers
Total Area
120sq ft
Sand Base (50 lb bags)
12bags
1-inch bedding layer
Gravel Base
1.5tons
4-inch compacted gravel base
Editorial Standards
Each calculator is reviewed for formula accuracy, unit consistency, and alignment with current U.S. building practices before publication. We verify outputs against published engineering references and real-world project data. Learn more about our methodology.
Brick pavers — true clay-fired pavers, not concrete look-alikes — are the premium choice for patios, walkways, and pedestrian courtyards. The 4 × 8 inch face dimension makes the math straightforward: about 4.5 pavers per square foot for any flat pattern. Color stays permanent because it's baked into the clay.
This calculator estimates brick paver count, sand, and base for a typical brick paver installation. For concrete pavers with various face sizes, use the parent Paver Calculator and enter your specific paver dimensions.
How to Estimate Brick Pavers
Paver count = Area × 4.5 × (1 + waste %). 1 sq ft ÷ 0.222 sq ft per 4×8 paver = 4.5 pavers/sq ft.
Brick Paver Pattern Reference
- Running bond (offset by half brick): 10% waste for straight-edge installations.
- Herringbone (45° or 90°): 15-20% waste due to diagonal cuts at the perimeter.
- Basketweave (pairs alternating direction): 10% waste; appropriate for square patios.
- Stack bond (aligned grid): 8% waste — least waste but lowest interlock and tendency to shift over time.
- Pinwheel / soldier course borders: +5% extra over base waste for the border.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the size of a brick paver?
Standard clay brick pavers are 4 × 8 × 2-1/4 inch (face = 32 sq in or 0.222 sq ft). True brick pavers are denser than building brick (rated for pedestrian + vehicle loads) and are kiln-fired to lower water absorption.
How many brick pavers per square foot?
1 sq ft ÷ 0.222 sq ft per paver = 4.5 brick pavers per square foot. Add 10% waste = 5 pavers per sq ft of patio ordered.
Are brick pavers and concrete pavers the same thing?
No — brick pavers are kiln-fired clay; concrete pavers are cast from portland cement with dye. Brick pavers retain color permanently (since the color is in the clay) while concrete pavers can fade. Brick pavers are typically 4 × 8; concrete pavers come in many sizes.
How thick are brick pavers?
Standard pedestrian pavers are 2-1/4 inch thick. Heavy-duty driveway pavers are 2-3/4 inch (70 mm) or 3-1/8 inch (80 mm). Cobble-style and used antique brick pavers may be 1-3/4 inch thick — too thin for vehicle use.
Can I install brick pavers myself?
Yes — brick paver installation is a popular DIY project. The base preparation and edge restraint are the technical challenges; laying the pavers is straightforward. Plan 1 day per 100 sq ft for a confident DIYer.
Looking for the general calculator?
Calculate how many pavers you need for patios, walkways, and driveways. Includes bedding sand and gravel base estimates for any paver size and project area.
Open the Paver Calculator: Pavers, Sand & Base →