How do I figure out the area of one paver?

Multiply the paver length by its width in inches, then divide by 144 to convert to square feet. A 12 by 12 inch paver is 1 square foot; a 6 by 9 inch paver is 0.375 square feet.

What goes under pavers?

A typical paver base is 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel topped with about 1 inch of bedding sand. Use our paver base calculator to size the gravel base and bedding sand for your patio.

How much extra should I buy for a pattern?

Add about 10 percent for a straight layout and 15 percent or more for herringbone or diagonal patterns, which create more cut pieces around the edges.

Paver Calculator — How Many Pavers Do I Need?

Q: How many pavers do I need?

Find the patio area by multiplying length by width, then divide by the area of one paver in square feet. Add about 10 percent for cuts and breakage and round up. A 12 by 10 ft patio using 12 by 12 inch pavers needs about 132 pavers including waste.

How to calculate pavers

The number of pavers depends on your area and the size of each paver:

Pavers = area ÷ area of one paver × (1 + waste %)

This calculator converts your paver size from inches to square feet (width × length ÷ 144), divides the patio area by it, adds a waste allowance, and rounds up.

Don't forget the base

Pavers sit on a prepared base, which is a separate material order:

Layer	Typical depth
Compacted gravel base	4–6 in
Bedding sand	~1 in
Polymeric sand (joints)	fills the gaps

Size both layers with our paver base calculator using your patio area and layer depths.

Pavers per 100 sq ft by size

Paver size	Area each	Per 100 sq ft
4 × 8 in (brick)	0.22 sq ft	~450
6 × 6 in	0.25 sq ft	~400
6 × 9 in	0.375 sq ft	~267
12 × 12 in	1.00 sq ft	100
12 × 24 in	2.00 sq ft	50

Add your waste allowance on top of these counts.

Paver materials and patterns

Concrete pavers. The most common and affordable, in countless shapes and colors.
Clay brick. A classic look that keeps its color well, at a higher price.
Natural stone (flagstone, bluestone). Premium and unique, with irregular sizes that change the math.
Porcelain pavers. Modern, low-maintenance, and very stain-resistant.

Your laying pattern drives the waste: a straight running bond needs ~10%, while herringbone, basketweave, or diagonal layouts cut more edge pieces — budget 15%+.

How much do pavers cost?

Pavers run about $0.50–$8 each ($3–$10+ per sq ft) depending on material and style, before the base, sand, and edging. For a full walkthrough, see our guide on how to install a paver patio.

Tips

Patterns waste more. Herringbone and diagonal layouts need 15%+ for edge cuts.
Order spares. Keep a few pavers for future repairs — colors and batches change.
Compact in stages. Compact the base well before laying, or the patio will settle unevenly.

How to lay a paver patio, step by step

Excavate. Dig out about 7–9 inches below the finished height (paver thickness + base + sand), sloping ~¼ inch per foot away from the house for drainage.
Build the base. Add 4–6 inches of crushed gravel in 2-inch lifts, compacting each lift with a plate compactor.
Screed the sand. Spread about 1 inch of bedding sand and screed it level with a straight board riding on pipe rails.
Lay the pavers. Set pavers in your pattern from one corner, keeping tight joints and checking your lines as you go.
Cut the edges. Trim border pieces to fit with a masonry saw or splitter.
Edge and lock. Install edge restraint around the perimeter, sweep polymeric sand into the joints, compact, then mist with water to set the sand.

Frequently asked questions

How many pavers for a 12x10 patio?

Using 12 × 12 in pavers (1 sq ft each), 120 sq ft plus 10% waste comes to about 132 pavers.

How do I find one paver's area?

Multiply width × length in inches, then divide by 144. A 6 × 9 in paver is 0.375 sq ft.

What goes under the pavers?

About 4–6 in of compacted gravel and ~1 in of bedding sand. Size both with our paver base calculator.

How much extra for patterns?

10% for straight layouts, 15%+ for herringbone or diagonal patterns, which create more edge cuts.

How many pavers are in a square foot?

It depends on size — about 4.5 brick pavers (4×8 in), or exactly one 12×12 in paver, per square foot.

Do I need edging around a paver patio?

Yes — plastic, metal, or concrete edge restraint keeps the pavers from spreading and the pattern from drifting over time.

What's the best sand between pavers?

Polymeric sand — it hardens when wet to lock the joints, resist weeds, and limit ant activity, unlike plain sand.

Can I lay pavers over concrete?

Yes, if the slab drains well and is in good shape — set the pavers on a thin sand or mortar bed, or a permeable layer. Cracked or ponding slabs should be repaired or removed first.

How long does a paver patio last?

Several decades — often 30+ years — when the base is properly compacted. A single paver can be lifted and reset if it settles or stains, which is a big advantage over poured concrete.

Do I need to seal a paver patio?

It's optional. A paver sealer deepens the color, helps lock the joint sand, and makes spills easier to clean, but it has to be reapplied every few years. Plenty of patios are left unsealed and hold up fine.