How the paver calculator works
It multiplies the patio length by its width to get square feet, converts that to square inches (× 144) and divides by the face area of one paver (length × width in inches). The extra percentage for cuts is added, then the total is rounded up to whole pavers. Base gravel and bedding sand are volumes: area × depth in feet (inches ÷ 12), divided by 27 for cubic yards and multiplied by 100 lb per cubic foot for tons.
Example: a 10 × 12 ft patio is 120 ft². With 8 × 4 in pavers that is 540 pavers, or 567 with 5% extra. A 4 in gravel base is 40 ft³, or 1.48 yd³, about 2 tons. One inch of bedding sand is 10 ft³, or 0.37 yd³, about 0.5 tons.
Base and bedding depths
Pavers sit on a compacted base, not on bare soil. For a patio or garden path, 4 inches of crushed base compacted in two layers is typical. A driveway needs more, usually 6 to 8 inches, because it carries vehicles. Bedding sand goes on top of the base at about 1 inch to level the surface so every paver sits flush. Joint sand is swept into the gaps afterwards and is not included in the bedding figure.
Patterns, cuts and waste
Straight running bond needs the fewest cuts, so 5% extra is usually enough. Herringbone, basketweave and diagonal patterns cut more pavers at the edges and corners: allow 10% or more. Buy all pavers in one batch so the colour matches, and keep a few spares. The calculator does not allow for a soldier course or border, so add those pavers separately. If part of the area will not be paved, measure only the paved part.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need for a 10 × 12 ft patio?
With 8 × 4 inch pavers, 120 square feet needs 540 pavers, or 567 with 5 percent extra for cuts. With 12 × 12 inch pavers it is 120, or 126 with 5 percent extra.
How much gravel goes under a paver patio?
A 4 inch base under 120 square feet is 40 cubic feet, or 1.48 cubic yards, which is about 2 tons at 100 pounds per cubic foot. A driveway base of 6 to 8 inches needs roughly half as much again to twice as much.
How much bedding sand do I need?
About 1 cubic foot per 12 square feet at 1 inch deep. For 120 square feet that is 10 cubic feet, or 0.37 cubic yards, about 0.5 tons.