๐งฑ Paver & Patio Calculator
Quick answer: Divide the patio area by one paver's coverage (a 4ร8-in paver = 0.22 sq ft, ~4.5 per sq ft), add 5โ10% for cuts, then plan 1 in of bedding sand over 4โ6 in of gravel base.
Calculate pavers, gravel base, bedding sand, and polymeric jointing sand.
0 Pavers
Gravel Base: 0.00 cu yd
Bedding Sand: 0.00 cu yd
Polymeric Sand: 0 bags (50lb)
Total Area: 0 sq ft
Estimated Cost: $0.00
Brick vs. Concrete vs. Natural Stone Pavers
The paver count math is the same regardless of material, but cost per piece varies significantly:
- Concrete pavers: The most affordable option, typically $1-4 per piece. Available in the widest range of shapes, colors, and textures. What this calculator's default price assumes.
- Brick pavers (clay): Typically $2-6 per piece. More color-stable over time than concrete (the color is fired through the whole brick, not just a surface coating), but a narrower range of shapes.
- Natural stone pavers (flagstone, travertine, bluestone): The most expensive option, often $5-15+ per piece depending on stone type and thickness. Each piece is naturally unique, which many homeowners want, but it also means less uniform sizing and more cutting waste.
Just update the "Price per Paver" field above to match whichever material you're pricing out โ the rest of the math (gravel base, sand, waste factor) stays the same regardless of material choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much polymeric sand do I need for pavers?
As a general rule, one 50lb bag of polymeric sand covers approximately 80 square feet for standard 1/8-inch to 3/8-inch joints. Always buy an extra bag to account for spillage and deeper joints.
How deep should the gravel base be for a paver patio?
For a standard pedestrian paver patio, excavate 7 to 9 inches total. This allows for 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel base, 1 inch of bedding sand, and the paver itself.
How much does a paver patio cost?
For a standard 200 sq ft concrete paver patio, expect $1,500-3,500 in materials and professional installation combined, depending on your region and paver style. Natural stone patios of the same size can run $3,000-7,000+ given the higher per-piece material cost.
Paver Base Calculator: Sand & Gravel Depth Requirements
Every paver patio needs two layers beneath the pavers themselves. Get these wrong and your patio will sink, shift, or crack within two seasons.
- Paver Sand (Bedding Layer): Exactly 1 inch of coarse concrete sand or polymeric sand. Never more โ thick sand layers cause pavers to shift. One cubic yard of sand covers approximately 324 sq ft at 1 inch depth.
- Gravel Base (Sub-base): 4-6 inches of compacted crusher run or 3/4" minus gravel for walkways. 6-8 inches for driveways. One cubic yard of gravel covers about 81 sq ft at 4 inches depth.
- Sand Calculator Formula: Square footage of patio รท 324 = cubic yards of sand needed (at 1" depth). Multiply by 27 for cubic feet if buying bags.
Pro Tip: The Plate Compactor is Not OptionalRent a plate compactor ($60-80/day). Compact the gravel base in 2-inch lifts (compact, add 2 more inches, compact again). Then compact the sand layer. Then compact the pavers after installation. Skipping this step is why DIY paver patios fail.
Paver Patterns & Waste Factors
Different laying patterns require different amounts of cutting and produce different waste percentages:
- Running Bond (Standard): 5% waste. The most efficient pattern โ pavers offset by half each row.
- Herringbone (45ยฐ or 90ยฐ): 10-15% waste. Extensive edge cutting required. The strongest interlock pattern.
- Basketweave: 5-7% waste. Pairs of pavers alternating horizontal and vertical orientation.
- Circular/Fan Pattern: 15-20% waste. Every paver along the radius requires custom cutting.
MA
How we build these calculators
Founder, JusTheTool · Every formula cited to a published code table or manufacturer spec · Last reviewed August 2026
Every calculator on this site implements formulas taken from published sources — International Residential Code (IRC) tables, ACI and ASTM standards, and manufacturer spec sheets for yields and coverage rates. We list the source behind each figure on our methodology page, so you can check the math rather than take our word for it. These tools are estimating aids, not a substitute for a licensed professional or your local building department.