Paver Calculator
A 12×8 ft walkway needs 459 standard 4×8 in pavers + 1.2 cu yd of base gravel + 1.2 cu yd of sand. Enter your dimensions and layout for an exact estimate.
Inputs
Estimate
- Area96 sq ft
- Pavers neededIncludes pattern-specific waste factor.454
- Base gravel (4 in deep)1.19cu yd
- Sand setting bed (1 in deep)0.30cu yd
- Polymeric sand (joint fill)50 lb bags; each covers ~80 sq ft of joints.2bags
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Try Remodel AI freeHow to calculate pavers and base materials
A paver installation has three layers: pavers on top, polymeric sand in the joints, sand setting bed (1 inch), and compacted gravel base (4 inches for patios, 6 for driveways). Calculate each layer separately.
Paver count depends on layout. Running bond (the simplest pattern) needs 5% waste. Herringbone 90° needs 10%. Diagonal 45° patterns need 15%. Curves and circles need 20%.
Standard paver sizes: 4×8 inch (0.22 sq ft each), 6×9 inch (0.375 sq ft each), 12×12 inch (1 sq ft each), and 16×16 inch (1.78 sq ft each). Always confirm the exact paver size before ordering.
Formulas used
- Paver count
(area / paver_area) × waste_factorWaste varies by pattern: 5% running bond, 10% herringbone, 15% diagonal, 20% curves.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need for a 12×8 walkway?+
A 12×8 ft area = 96 sq ft. Using 4×8 inch pavers (0.22 sq ft each) in running bond: 96 / 0.22 × 1.05 = 459 pavers.
What's the cheapest paver pattern?+
Running bond (offset rows like brick). Only 5% waste, fastest to install, fewest cuts.
How much base do I need under pavers?+
4 inches of compacted crushed stone for foot-traffic patios. 6 inches for driveways. Plus 1 inch of sand setting bed on top.
What's the difference between this and the patio calculator?+
This calculator focuses on paver count and pattern waste. The patio calculator includes material cost estimation by paver type. Use either depending on what you need.
Can I install pavers myself?+
Yes for small (under 200 sq ft) patios and walkways. Larger projects benefit from professional grading, base compaction, and edge restraint. Most failed DIY paver projects come from inadequate base prep.