Paver Patio Calculator — ft to pavers, sand, gravel, cost
How to use this calculator
Enter patio area (rectangle, circle, L-shape, or custom), choose paver size and laying pattern. The calculator estimates pavers needed, gravel base, bedding sand, edge restraint, and polymeric sand for joints.
Base layers — 4-6″ compacted gravel base, 1″ sand bedding.
Patterns — running bond, herringbone (+5% waste), basket weave, stack bond.
Edge restraint — plastic or aluminum edging along the perimeter.
Saved Calculations
| Time | Shape | Area ft² | Pavers | Gravel | Sand | Cost |
|---|
How to Calculate Pavers for a Patio
This calculator estimates the number of pavers, gravel base, bedding sand, edge restraint, and polymeric sand for patio projects. Choose from standard paver sizes (4×8″ brick, 6×6″, 6×9″, 12×12″, 16×16″) and laying patterns (running bond, herringbone, basket weave, stack bond).
Formulas
Pavers = area / paver face area × (1 + waste% + pattern%). Gravel (tons) = area × depth (ft) × 100 lb/ft³ / 2000. Sand (tons) = area × depth (ft) × 100 lb/ft³ / 2000. Polymeric sand: ~1 bag per 40 ft² for standard joints. Edge restraint = perimeter / section length.
Base Preparation (ICPI)
Per ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute): 4″ compacted aggregate base for patios, 6″ for driveways, 8-12″ for vehicular. 1″ bedding sand layer, screeded level. Compact base in 2″ lifts to 95% Modified Proctor density.
FAQ
Which pattern wastes most? Herringbone adds ~10% cuts; running bond and basket weave ~5%; stack bond has minimal waste. Polymeric sand vs regular? Polymeric sand hardens between joints, resisting weeds and washout — recommended for all installations.
