Exactly how many pavers, base gravel, and sand you need for any patio size. Includes worked examples, tables, and free calculator.
Building a paver patio? This guide gives you exact material calculations for pavers, base gravel, leveling sand, joint sand, and edge restraint. Use our free calculator for custom sizes or follow the step-by-step examples and tables below.
Use our paver calculator for custom sizes and patterns.
Here's exactly how the math works for a 100 square foot patio:
Area = Length × Width
10 feet × 10 feet = 100 square feet
Pavers = (Area in sq ft) ÷ (Paver coverage in sq ft) × (1 + Waste factor)
Note: Different paver sizes change the count—check manufacturer specs.
Base gravel: 4-6 inches compacted (0.33-0.5 feet)
Leveling sand: 1 inch layer (0.083 feet)
Quick reference for common patio sizes with standard 4×8 inch pavers:
| Patio Area | Pavers Needed | Base Gravel | Leveling Sand | Joint Sand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 (100 sq ft) | 450 pavers | 1.85 cubic yards | 0.31 cubic yards | 10-15 lbs |
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | 648 pavers | 2.66 cubic yards | 0.44 cubic yards | 15-22 lbs |
| 12x16 (192 sq ft) | 864 pavers | 3.56 cubic yards | 0.59 cubic yards | 20-30 lbs |
| 16x20 (320 sq ft) | 1,440 pavers | 5.93 cubic yards | 0.99 cubic yards | 35-50 lbs |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | 1,800 pavers | 7.41 cubic yards | 1.23 cubic yards | 45-65 lbs |
Notes: Paver counts include 10% waste factor. Base gravel assumes 5" compacted depth. Leveling sand assumes 1" depth.
The mistake: Rushing gravel compaction or not using a plate compactor.
The fix: Compact in 2-inch layers, check with a 4-foot level, and re-compact after wetting.
The mistake: Thinking "just a little sand" is enough for leveling.
The fix: Calculate 1 cubic yard of sand per 300 sq ft (1" depth). Buy 20% extra.
The mistake: Tight joints or inconsistent gaps.
The fix: Use plastic spacers for uniform gaps. Remove them before joint sand.
The mistake: Assuming pavers will stay put without restraint.
The fix: Install proper edge restraint on all sides, staked every 12 inches.
The mistake: Flat patio that pools water.
The fix: Slope patio 1/4" per foot away from house. Use a string level during base prep.
You need approximately 450 pavers for a 10x10 patio (100 sq ft) with 10% waste factor. That's 4.5 pavers per square foot.
For a 100 sq ft patio, you need 1.85 cubic yards (2.5 tons) of base gravel at 5 inches compacted depth. For larger patios, increase proportionally.
You need two types of sand: leveling sand (1" layer under pavers) and joint sand (between pavers). For 100 sq ft: 0.31 cubic yards leveling sand + 10-15 lbs polymeric joint sand.
Yes, absolutely. Edge restraint prevents pavers from shifting and spreading. Plan for 40 linear feet for a 10x10 patio, secured with stakes.
For straight patterns: 5-10% extra pavers. For complex patterns (herringbone, circles): 10-20% extra. Always buy extra base gravel (15-20%) as it compacts more than expected.
You can, but polymeric sand hardens when wet, preventing weeds and ants. Regular sand washes out over time. The small extra cost of polymeric sand is worth it.
Our paver calculator handles all these variables instantly. Enter dimensions, select paver size and pattern, and get exact material counts with cost estimates.
Now that you know how to calculate paver patio materials:
Final tip: Buy all pavers from the same dye lot. Colors vary between batches. Store extras for future repairs—you'll thank yourself later.
Use our free Paver Calculator for precise material counts tailored to your specific project. Enter dimensions, select paver size and pattern, and get instant results.
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