Enter your patio size and paver size. The calculator counts pavers, works out the gravel base and sand bed, and compares DIY materials with professional installation.
How a paver patio is built, and calculated
A paver patio is three layers: compacted gravel base, a 1-inch bed of sand, then the pavers. Each layer is ordered separately.
Base gravel (cu yd) = area × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 × 1.10
Sand (cu yd) = area × 1 in ÷ 12 ÷ 27
The extra 10% on gravel covers the volume lost when it’s compacted.
Worked example: a 16 × 12 ft patio in 4 × 8 pavers
192 sq ft plus 10% waste is 211 sq ft. Each 4 × 8 paver covers 0.222 sq ft, so you need 951 pavers. A 4-inch base takes 2.6 cubic yards of gravel (about 3.7 tons) and the sand bed 0.6 yards. DIY materials come to about $1,100; a pro would charge roughly $1,500–$4,600.
Paver patio cost in 2026
Lawn Love puts paver patios at $8–$24 per sq ft installed, with an average 280 sq ft patio costing about $3,350. Material alone ranges widely:
| Paver | Material per sq ft |
|---|---|
| Interlocking concrete | $3–$6 |
| Brick | $4–$8 |
| Flagstone | $13–$30 |
Frequently asked questions
How deep should the base be?
4–6 inches for patios and walkways, 8–12 inches for driveways. Clay soil and cold climates need the deeper end.
How many pavers are in a square foot?
4.5 for 4 × 8 pavers, 4 for 6 × 6, 2.67 for 6 × 9, and 1 for 12 × 12.
Do I need edging?
Yes. Edge restraint keeps pavers from creeping outward. Plan for the full perimeter, except where the patio meets a wall.
Source: Lawn Love paver patio cost guide (2026).
