Estimate pavers, base, and sand fast for patios, walks, and drives today. Add waste, joint spacing, pattern cuts, and costs for smarter orders always.
| Project | Area | Paver size | Joint | Waste | Pavers needed (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small patio | 20 m² | 200×100 mm | 3 mm | 7% | ~10,800 |
| Walkway | 12 m² | 200×100 mm | 3 mm | 8% | ~6,500 |
| Drive strip | 35 m² | 225×112 mm | 4 mm | 10% | ~13,900 |
Example values are illustrative; your project layout and cuts can change totals.
A well-built paver surface typically uses compacted base, bedding sand, and consistent joint spacing.
Plan pavers accurately, reduce waste, and control project costs.
Ordering accuracy starts with area. Measure length and width in the same unit, then multiply. For irregular patios, split the space into simple rectangles, add the areas, and use that total in the calculator to avoid underbuying. Measure border bands or inset features separately and include them.
Pavers rarely cover their nominal face size once joints are included. The calculator uses an effective paver area based on (paver length + joint) × (paver width + joint). Over large surfaces, a few millimeters of joint spacing can change the final count noticeably.
Waste covers edge cuts, breakage, color blending, and spare pieces for repairs. Simple running patterns often work with 5–8% waste, while diagonal layouts and herringbone commonly need 10–15%. Use the pattern factor to reflect extra cutting before waste is applied.
Bedding sand is a thin leveling layer over the compacted base (often around 25–40 mm). Volume is area × thickness. Because screeding and compaction settle sand, many projects add a small buffer so leveling can stay consistent. Aim for a firm, screedable surface without footprints or ruts.
Base depth depends on traffic and subgrade. Pedestrian patios may use about 100–150 mm of compacted granular base, while driveways often need 150–250 mm or more. The calculator outputs base volume so you can convert to delivered volume or tons using local supplier data. Place base in lifts and compact each layer for stability.
Consistent joints improve lock-up and appearance. Edge restraints (plastic, concrete, or metal) prevent lateral spread from vehicles, thermal movement, and freeze-thaw cycles. Plan restraints by perimeter length, plus extra for curves and returns.
Material is commonly sold by pack or pallet. Using “pavers per pack,” the tool rounds up to whole packs to match deliveries. For budgeting, add pavers, base, sand, restraints, jointing sand, and disposal; itemized costs make estimates easier to defend.
Confirm manufacturer dimensions, confirm unit choices (mm vs inches), and recheck thickness inputs. Compare the calculator output to a quick sanity estimate to catch entry mistakes. If color consistency matters, buy the full quantity from the same lot when possible.
Good inputs lead to cleaner installs and fewer delays.
Use 5–8% for simple rectangular layouts and straight patterns. Use 10–15% for diagonal, herringbone, tight curves, or many obstacles. If you are uncertain, choose the higher range to reduce shortages.
Joints add spacing between units, so each paver “occupies” slightly more area than its nominal face. Over large areas, a few millimeters per joint can change the total count by several percent.
Yes. Subtract permanent openings from the total area so pavers and material volumes are not overestimated. For small penetrations, you may keep them in area and rely on the waste factor to balance the difference.
Start with usage: patios usually need less base than driveways. Then consider soil strength and drainage. If the site is soft, wet, or frequently loaded, increase base depth and follow local construction practice.
The volumes are geometric (area × thickness). Compaction can reduce loose material volume, especially for base aggregates. Ask your supplier for a conversion from compacted depth to delivered volume or tons, then add a small buffer.
Pattern factor adjusts raw paver count for layouts that create more cuts or lower packing efficiency. Keep it at 1.00 for simple patterns. Increase slightly (for example 1.03–1.08) for complex patterns before waste is applied.
Yes. Enter paver price per unit or per pack in your spreadsheet using the CSV export. Then add line items for base, sand, restraints, jointing sand, and labor to build a complete estimate.
Plan carefully, order once, and build pavers that last.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.