Paver Patio Calculator — Pavers, Sand & Base
Plan a paver patio in minutes. Counts pavers, bedding sand, and aggregate base for any patio size. Includes 10% default waste and aggregate tonnage.
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.
A paver patio is the most popular DIY hardscape project in the U.S. — it adds outdoor living space, increases home value, and (unlike poured concrete) can be repaired or modified later. The material list has four parts: pavers, edge restraint, bedding sand, and compacted aggregate base.
This calculator covers the paver count. Use the linked Paver Base Calculator below for the base and bedding material volumes — getting those quantities right is what separates a flat, long-lived patio from one that sags after a year.
How to Estimate a Paver Patio
Paver count = (Patio Area ÷ Effective Paver Area) × (1 + Waste). Effective paver area includes the 1/8–1/4 inch joint width on both axes.
Paver Patio Pricing Reference (2025)
- Concrete pavers: $3–$7 per sq ft material.
- Clay brick pavers: $6–$12 per sq ft material.
- Natural stone pavers: $10–$25 per sq ft material.
- Base + sand + edging: $1.50–$3 per sq ft.
- Labor (contractor): $10–$20 per sq ft for professionally installed patios.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 12x12 pavers for a 200 sq ft patio?
12″ × 12″ pavers cover exactly 1 sq ft each. For 200 sq ft: 200 pavers. Add 10% waste for cuts at edges: order 220.
How much sand do I need under pavers?
Plan a 1-inch bedding sand layer (concrete sand or coarse mason sand). For a 200 sq ft patio: 200 sq ft × (1/12 ft depth) = 16.7 cu ft, or about 0.62 cu yd. One ton of sand ≈ 0.74 cu yd.
How thick should the base be under a paver patio?
4–6 inches of compacted aggregate base (3/4″ minus crushed stone) is standard for patios on stable soil per ICPI guidelines. Driveways need 6–8 inches. Compact in 2-inch lifts for proper density.
What slope should a paver patio have?
1/4 inch per foot away from the house (≈ 2% slope) sheds water without being visually noticeable. Slope toward an outlet — never toward foundations or walkways.
Do I need polymeric sand for paver joints?
Polymeric sand locks joints, resists weeds, and stays put in heavy rain — it's the modern standard. Plan ~50 lb per 100 sq ft of patio. Activate per manufacturer instructions (water mist + cure).
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 →