How This Paver Calculator Works
The calculator multiplies your project length by width to get the area in square feet, then divides by the coverage of a single paver (its length × width in inches, divided by 144). The result is rounded up and increased by your chosen waste factor to cover cuts, breakage, and pattern loss. It also estimates the two layers that go under the pavers: a compacted gravel base at your selected depth and a 1-inch bedding layer of concrete sand, both converted to cubic yards — the unit bulk suppliers quote.
Paver Coverage Quick Reference
The table below shows how many pavers of each common size cover one square foot, and how many you would need for a typical 12 × 16 ft (192 sq ft) patio including 10% waste.
| Paver size | Coverage per paver | Pavers per sq ft | 12×16 ft patio (+10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 8 in | 0.222 sq ft | 4.5 | 951 |
| 6 × 6 in | 0.25 sq ft | 4.0 | 845 |
| 6 × 9 in | 0.375 sq ft | 2.67 | 564 |
| 12 × 12 in | 1.0 sq ft | 1.0 | 212 |
| 16 × 16 in | 1.78 sq ft | 0.56 | 119 |
| 24 × 24 in | 4.0 sq ft | 0.25 | 53 |
Don't Forget What Goes Underneath
A paver surface is only as good as its base. The standard build-up for a patio or walkway is 4 inches of compacted gravel (crusher run or Class 5), topped with 1 inch of screeded concrete sand, then the pavers themselves. Driveways carry vehicle loads and need 6–8 inches of base or more in frost-prone or clay soils. Skimping on base depth is the number-one cause of sunken, wavy paver patios — the material is cheap compared to relaying the whole surface later.
After laying, the joints are filled with polymeric sand, which locks the pavers together and resists weeds and washout. See our paver sand calculator for bedding and joint sand quantities, and the patterns guide for how your laying pattern affects the waste factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pavers do I need per square foot?
Divide 144 by your paver's area in square inches. A 6 × 9 in paver is 54 sq in, so 144 ÷ 54 ≈ 2.67 pavers per square foot. Multiply by your project area and add waste.
Should I order extra pavers?
Yes — always. Beyond the waste factor for cuts, keeping a few spare pavers from the same production lot lets you replace stained or cracked units years later with a perfect color match. Dye lots vary noticeably between batches.
How many pavers come on a pallet?
It varies by size and manufacturer, but a pallet typically covers 100–120 sq ft. Your supplier will quote pieces per pallet for the exact product; use our per-piece count and divide.
Can I lay pavers directly on dirt or sand?
Not if you want them to stay flat. Without a compacted gravel base, pavers settle unevenly within a season or two. The only common exception is stepping stones set individually in a lawn.