How many pavers do I need?
pavers to buy = paved area × pavers per unit area × (1 + waste %)
The classic 4 × 8 in brick paver covers 32 in², so with tight joints there are 4.5 pavers per square foot (4.3 with ⅛ in sand joints). A metric 200 × 100 mm paver gives 50 per m² (about 48 with 3 mm joints). Measure your pavers — many "4 × 8" pavers are actually a little smaller, such as 3⅞ × 7¾ in.
Waste allowance by pattern
| Pattern | Suggested waste | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Running bond | 5% | Simplest; few cuts except at the edges. |
| Stack bond / grid | 5% | Straight joints both ways; good for large slabs. |
| Basketweave | 5–7% | Pairs of pavers alternate direction; needs 2:1 pavers. |
| Herringbone (45° or 90°) | 10–15% | Strongest for driveways but needs many edge cuts. |
| Circles and curves | 10–15% | Lots of cutting around the curve. |
Choosing a pattern in the calculator sets a suggested waste figure, which you can change.
Base gravel, bedding sand and edging
A paver surface is only as good as its base. The calculator adds:
- Crushed stone base — 4 in (100 mm) for patios and paths, 6–8 in (150–200 mm) for driveways, more on clay soil. 15% is added for compaction.
- Bedding sand — a 1 in (25 mm) screeded layer of coarse concrete sand that the pavers sit on.
- Edge restraint — plastic, metal or concrete edging around the perimeter to stop pavers spreading. The calculator measures the perimeter of each area.
Don't forget joint sand: polymeric or fine kiln-dried sand swept into the joints. Coverage varies a lot with joint width and paver shape, so check the bag.
Paver sizes
| Paver | Size | Per ft² | Per m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brick paver (holland) | 4 × 8 in | 4.50 | 48.4 |
| Rectangle | 6 × 9 in | 2.67 | 28.7 |
| Square | 6 × 6 in | 4.00 | 43.1 |
| Square slab | 12 × 12 in | 1.00 | 10.8 |
| Metric paver | 200 × 100 mm | 4.65 | 50.0 |
| Brick laid flat | 215 × 102.5 mm | 4.22 | 45.4 |
Building a patio? Our brick patio calculator has patio sizes and layout tips.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers are in a square foot?
4.5 standard 4 × 8 in brick pavers per square foot laid tight, or about 4.3 with ⅛ in joints. 6 × 9 in pavers are about 2.7 per square foot and 12 × 12 in slabs are 1 per square foot.
How many pavers are in a square meter?
50 standard 200 × 100 mm pavers per square meter laid tight, or about 48 with 3 mm joints.
How much extra should I buy?
5% for running bond and stack patterns, about 7% for basketweave and 10–15% for herringbone, circles and curved edges.
How deep should the base be under pavers?
4 in (100 mm) of compacted crushed stone for patios and walkways and 6–8 in (150–200 mm) for driveways, plus 1 in (25 mm) of bedding sand.
Can I calculate a round patio?
Yes — tap "+ Circle" and enter the diameter. You can combine circles and rectangles for L-shaped or curved areas.