Construction Calculators
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Paver Calculator
Calculate how many pavers you need for patios, walkways, and driveways. Get sand, gravel base, and waste estimates for any paver size and layout pattern.
Paver Quantity & Base Calculator
Calculate pavers needed plus leveling sand and gravel base material
Need Material Takeoffs from Plans?
BuildVision AI reads your landscape and hardscape plans to calculate paver quantities, base materials, and costs automatically.
How to Calculate Pavers
Calculating pavers involves dividing the total project area by the effective area of each paver (including joint spacing), then adding waste for cuts and breakage.
Paver Calculation Formula
Pavers needed = Total area ÷ ((paver length + joint) × (paver width + joint)). Standard joint spacing is ¼" (6mm). Add 10% waste for running bond, 15% for herringbone patterns due to more edge cuts.
Base Preparation
A proper paver installation requires a 4" compacted gravel base (6" for driveways) and a 1" leveling sand bed. The gravel base provides drainage and structural support, while the sand bed allows precise leveling.
Common Paver Sizes
| Size | Per ft² | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 4" × 8" | 4.5 pavers | Driveways, walkways |
| 6" × 6" | 4 pavers | Patios, borders |
| 6" × 9" | 2.7 pavers | Walkways, patios |
| 12" × 12" | 1 paver | Large patios, courtyards |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pavers do I need for a 10×10 patio?
A 10×10 patio (100 ft²) using standard 4×8" pavers needs about 450 pavers (4.5 per ft²) plus 10% waste = ~495 pavers total.
How much sand do I need under pavers?
Plan for 1 inch of leveling sand. For 100 ft², that is about 0.31 cubic yards or roughly 1 ton of sand. Use coarse, angular sand (not play sand) for best compaction.
Do I need a gravel base for pavers?
Yes. A 4-inch compacted gravel base is essential for drainage and preventing settling. Use 6 inches for vehicle traffic areas like driveways. Crushed limestone or road base compacts best.