Paver Calculator
Paver count, rate per area, and waste allowance from patio size and paver size.
What it does
Paver counts follow unit math: each paver covers its inches divided into 144 square inches per foot, and the project area divided by that coverage gives field count before waste. Cuts and curves add the rest.
The tool above takes project area with paver size and waste in either system. It returns pavers to order with the coverage rate and waste allowance beside them.
The default 200 ft2 patio in 4x8 pavers at 7% waste needs 963 pavers (4.5 per ft2 with 63 for cuts). A 12 by 15 ft patio at 5% needs 851. The metric mirror needs 996.
The method follows extension installation guidance with industry specification documents matching each layer. Both fix bedding sand at 1 inch over compacted base with edge restraints holding the field.
How to use
- Pick imperial (ft, in) or metric (m, cm).
- Measure the project area edge to edge.
- Enter paver length and width as sold.
- Set waste: 5% simple, 10%+ patterns and curves.
- Order the total from one production run.
Formula
- 144
- Square inches in one square foot.
- rate
- Pavers covering one ft2 (4.5 for 4x8).
- waste
- Cut share: 5% simple, 10%+ patterns.
Metric converts to imperial first (1 in = 2.54 cm), then runs one path, so systems agree. Borders and soldiers need their own linear count on top.
Worked example
Example: 200 ft2 patio in 4x8 pavers
Imperial defaults: 200 ft2, 8x4 in, 7% waste.
- Rate: 144 / (8 x 4) = 4.5 per ft2.
- Field: 200 x 4.5 = 900 pavers.
- Waste: 900 x 7% = 63 for cuts.
- Total: ceil to 963 pavers.
- Tool shows 963 pavers, 4.5 per ft2, +63 for cuts (7%).
Reference table
| Paver / waste | Count | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 4x8, 5% | 945 pavers | 4.5 per ft2 |
| 4x8, 7% | 963 pavers | 4.5 per ft2 |
| 6x6, 7% | 856 pavers | 4 per ft2 |
Limits
- Field pavers only; borders count separately.
- Base, sand, and edging need their own math.
- Joint width ignored at these tolerances.
- Thick vehicular units follow the same count.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting waste on cut heavy layouts.
- Mixing production runs with drifting color.
- Skipping edge restraints that hold interlock.
- Bedding with stone dust instead of concrete sand.
- Measuring the house wall instead of the finished edge.
Try it yourself
Quick checks. Answers sit tucked under each question.
12 by 15 ft patio, 4x8, 5%?
180 ft2 x 4.5 = 810, plus 5%: 851 pavers.
6x6 pavers on 200 ft2 at 7%?
4 per ft2: 800 field x 1.07 = 856 pavers.
Why one run?
Color drifts between batches; single runs match.
Questions
How many pavers per square foot?
144 divided by length times width in inches: 4.5 for 4x8.
How much waste?
5% simple running bond, 7 to 10% basket and herringbone, more for curves.
What goes under pavers?
Compacted gravel base (4 to 6 in patios), 1 in bedding sand, edge restraints.
Sand or stone dust?
Concrete sand. Stone dust holds water and breaks interlock.
Driveway thickness?
Thicker units (80 mm) over deeper base than patios.
Seal afterwards?
Optional for color and joint sand life; clean and dry first.
Sources
- Oregon State Extension: 10-step guide to installing pavers (PDF)
- CMHA: Guide specification for interlocking concrete pavement