How do I figure the size of one paver?

Multiply its length × width in inches, then divide by 144 to get square feet. An 8 × 4-inch paver is 32 ÷ 144 ≈ 0.222 sq ft, so about 4.5 of them cover a square foot.

How much extra should I buy?

About 10% for a running-bond or stack layout; 15% or more for herringbone, basketweave, or any diagonal pattern, where edge cuts waste more pieces. Keep a few spares for future repairs.

What goes under the pavers?

Pavers sit on a compacted gravel base topped with about an inch of bedding sand — estimate those separately with the gravel/crushed-stone and sand calculators.

Paver Calculator

Pavers are bought by the piece. Enter your patio size and the paver's dimensions and this gives the number of pavers, with a cutting allowance.

Pavers

594pavers

Patio area: 120 sq ft

How these numbers are worked out

The formula

Pavers = patio area × (1 + waste) ÷ the area of one paver. One paver's area is its length × width in inches ÷ 144 (to convert to square feet). Add about 10% for cuts; bump it for diagonal or herringbone patterns, which waste more at the edges.

Constants and sources

Pavers = patio area × (1 + waste) ÷ paver area; paver area = (length_in × width_in) ÷ 144 sq ft. Geometry only.

How it was checked

Last reviewed June 16, 2026. Before this calculator was published, its formula, constants and worked example were checked in a separate, AI-assisted review that redid the arithmetic and tested the factual claims; the site owner then approved it for publishing. No engineer or tradesperson reviews these pages. Where a figure depends on the product (a density, a coverage rate, a bag size), it is either an input you can change above or a fixed planning value stated on this page, so check it against your product's label or your supplier.

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Worked example

A 12 × 10 ft patio (120 sq ft) with 8 × 4-inch pavers (32 sq in = 0.222 sq ft each), 10% waste: 120 × 1.10 ÷ 0.222 ≈ 594 pavers.

FAQs

How do I figure the size of one paver?: Multiply its length × width in inches, then divide by 144 to get square feet. An 8 × 4-inch paver is 32 ÷ 144 ≈ 0.222 sq ft, so about 4.5 of them cover a square foot.
How much extra should I buy?: About 10% for a running-bond or stack layout; 15% or more for herringbone, basketweave, or any diagonal pattern, where edge cuts waste more pieces. Keep a few spares for future repairs.
What goes under the pavers?: Pavers sit on a compacted gravel base topped with about an inch of bedding sand — estimate those separately with the gravel/crushed-stone and sand calculators.