How this calculator works
This runs our paver calculator on your measurements. Pavers are the area divided by one paver (the paver size in square feet) plus your waste allowance. The base is the area times the depth with 20% extra for compaction, the bedding sand is a 1 inch layer, and the edge restraint goes round the perimeter.
Worked example: a 12 × 12 ft patio in 6 × 9 inch pavers (0.375 ft² each) with 10% waste needs 423 pavers, about 3.0 tons of crushed stone for a 4 inch base, 0.6 tons of bedding sand and 48 ft of edge restraint.
Assumptions and sources
- The base does most of the work: most of the money and effort go under the pavers. Rent a plate compactor, plan a slope of about 1/4 inch per foot away from the house, and call 811 before you dig.
The formula and a worked example are shown above, so you can check any result by hand. Read how we calculate and check our numbers. Results are estimates for planning: supplier products vary, so check the size printed on the label.
Materials for common patio sizes (6 × 9 in pavers, 4 in base, 10% waste)
Base stone includes 20% for compaction; sand is a 1 in bed.
| Patio | Pavers | Base stone | Bedding sand | Edging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 294 | 2.1 tons | 0.4 tons | 40 ft |
| 12 × 12 ft | 423 | 3.0 tons | 0.6 tons | 48 ft |
| 12 × 16 ft | 564 | 4.0 tons | 0.8 tons | 56 ft |
| 16 × 20 ft | 939 | 6.6 tons | 1.3 tons | 72 ft |
Tips before you buy
- A shallow or uncompacted base is the main reason patios sink and heave. Compact it in layers of 4 inches or less with a plate compactor.
- Use coarse concrete sand for the bedding layer, not fine play sand, and screed it without walking on it.
- Install the edge restraint before you compact the pavers, or the outer pavers creep and the joints open.
- Slope the patio about 1/4 inch per foot away from the house, never toward it.
- Buy a few extra pavers from the same batch. Colors vary between batches, and you may need a replacement later.
Quick answers by size
Tools & materials for this project
Affiliate links As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. These links do not change what you pay.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need for a 12x12 patio?
With 6 × 9 inch pavers, 384 cover the 144 ft² exactly, and 423 with 10% for cuts and breakage. Larger pavers need fewer: 12 × 12 inch pavers need about 159.
How deep should the base be for a paver patio?
Four to six inches of compacted crushed stone for a patio, and 8 to 12 inches where cars will drive. A 4 inch base on a 12 × 12 patio takes about 3.0 tons of stone, and a 6 inch base 4.5 tons.
How much sand goes under pavers?
A 1 inch screeded layer of coarse concrete sand: about — cubic yards (0.6 tons) for a 12 × 12 patio.
Do pavers need edge restraint?
Yes. Without it the outer pavers creep outward and the joints open. A 12 × 12 patio needs about 48 ft of edging, spiked into the base.
Is concrete or pavers better for a patio?
Pavers can be repaired stone by stone; concrete gives the smoothest surface in one pour. A 12 × 12 ft patio is 1.96 yd³ of concrete or 423 pavers. The concrete vs pavers guide compares them by size.
Add this calculator to your website
Running a blog, a contractor site or a class page? You can put this calculator on it for free. Copy the code below, and please leave the link underneath the calculator in place. The small script just resizes the frame to fit the results; if your site strips scripts, the calculator still works inside a scrolling frame.
Related calculators & guides
Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.