Step Paver Calculator for Garden Paths

Lay step pavers with perfect stride comfort. Choose sizes, gaps, and segment lengths easily here. Get counts and base needs, then save results instantly.

Calculator Inputs

Use straight paths or segment totals, then choose spacing style.

Responsive form: 3 / 2 / 1 columns
Controls labels and conversions.
Segments are useful for curved routes.
Leave space near gates, steps, or beds.
Measure along the walking line.
Leave blank or zero if unused.
Leave blank or zero if unused.
Leave blank or zero if unused.
Leave blank or zero if unused.
Leave blank or zero if unused.
Center spacing is closer to human stride.
Typical lawn gap: 3–10 cm (1–4 in).
Typical stride: ~0.55–0.75 m (1.8–2.5 ft).
“Run” is length or diameter along the path.
Helps cover chips, cuts, and future replacements.
Use 0 for no gravel layer.
Use 0 for no bedding layer.
Used for excavation depth estimate.
Extra depth for leveling and sod thickness.
Adds material for settling after tamping.
Reset

Example Data Table

This example shows one common layout. Your results will vary by stride and site conditions.

Scenario Inputs Outputs
Lawn stepping path
Rectangular stones		 Path: 12.0 m
End clearance: 0.5 m each end
Paver: 45 × 30 cm
Gap method: 8 cm
Waste: 8% 		Layout pavers: 20
Buy (with waste): 22
Footprint area: ~2.97 m²
Gravel @ 5 cm: ~0.16 m³
Sand @ 3 cm: ~0.10 m³
Curved walk line
Segment input		 Segments: 3.0 + 2.5 + 4.0 m
End clearance: 0.3 m each end
Circular paver: 40 cm diameter
Center spacing: 0.65 m
Waste: 10% 		Layout pavers: 14
Buy (with waste): 16
Achieved gap depends on run
Base volumes scale with footprint

Formula Used

  • Usable path length = Total path length − 2 × End clearance.
  • Paver run (along path) = Length (rectangular) or Diameter (circular).
  • Gap method paver count solves: n × run + (n − 1) × gap ≤ usable. So n = floor((usable + gap) ÷ (run + gap)).
  • Center method paver count: (n − 1) × spacing ≤ usable, so n = floor(usable ÷ spacing) + 1.
  • Achieved gap (when n > 1): (usable − n × run) ÷ (n − 1).
  • Pavers to buy = ceil(n × (1 + waste%)).
  • Footprint area = paver area × pavers to buy. Rect area = L × W, circle area = π × (D/2)².
  • Base volume = footprint area × layer depth × (1 + compaction%).
  • Excavation volume = footprint area × (gravel + sand + thickness + allowance).
Practical tip
If you want a natural stride, start with center spacing near 0.6–0.7 m (about 2–2.3 ft), then adjust for comfort.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Pick a unit system matching your tape measure.
  2. Choose straight or segments based on your path shape.
  3. Set end clearance so the first and last pavers fit cleanly.
  4. Select spacing method and enter either gap or center spacing.
  5. Enter paver dimensions for your selected shape.
  6. Tune waste and base depths to match site conditions.
  7. Press Calculate and review achieved spacing details.
  8. Download CSV or PDF to take the estimate on-site.

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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.