Free estimate — verify against local code before building
Paver Patio & Walkway Calculator
Pavers and pallets plus base, sand, edging, fabric, delivery weight, and cost.
What this calculator includes
Add one or more rectangles, circles, or measured areas, then enter the actual paver and package specifications. This calculator separates exact surface coverage from pattern waste and full-pallet rounding, sizes compacted aggregate base and bedding sand, adds joint sand, edge restraint, spikes, and geotextile, and totals material cost and delivery weight. Every formula and rounding step is shown. Use the selected manufacturer's installation system and a site-specific base/drainage design for the final order.
How to use this pavers calculator
- 01
Build the project area
Add each patio, walkway, landing, or measured section separately. Rectangle and circle perimeters are automatic; when entering total square feet, also enter the measured perimeter if you want edge restraint included.
- 02
Enter the actual paver
Use face length and width, units per pallet, unit weight, and current material price from the selected product. Pattern changes load an editable waste starting point; complex borders and curves typically create more cuts.
- 03
Set the pavement layers
Enter compacted base depth from the project design and a loose-material compaction allowance. CMHA specifications use a nominal 1 inch bedding course for typical sand-set interlocking concrete pavers, but product and project documents control.
- 04
Check packages, weight, and delivery
Replace every package coverage, density, bag weight, and cost with supplier data. Compare loose paver purchasing with full pallets and plan delivery or equipment for the displayed total weight.
Calculation sources and review
Primary references and formula assumptions are linked so you can verify them against the selected product, supplier, and adopted local requirements.
Internal formula review completed July 13, 2026. What this review covers
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need for a patio?
Divide the total surface area by one paver's face area, then add pattern and cutting waste and round up. This calculator shows the raw decimal, exact whole-paver coverage, waste-adjusted order, pallet count, and any extra units caused by buying full pallets.
How much extra should I add for paver cuts and waste?
A simple straight layout often starts near 10%, basketweave near 12%, and herringbone or diagonal work near 15%. These are editable planning allowances, not universal rules. Curves, borders, blended colors, breakage, and pattern modules can change the final layout.
How much paver base do I need?
Multiply project square feet by compacted base depth divided by 12 to get compacted cubic feet, then add the entered compaction allowance for loose delivery volume. The calculator converts that amount to cubic yards, estimated tons, or retail bags using editable supplier density and yield.
How deep should bedding sand be under pavers?
CMHA's guide specification calls for a nominal 1 inch screeded bedding-sand layer in a typical sand-set interlocking concrete pavement. Do not use bedding sand to correct a low or uneven base. Permeable, slab, overlay, and vehicular systems can require different materials or assemblies.
Does this paver estimate include labor and excavation?
No. The editable cost covers the listed purchased materials and delivery allowance. Excavation, soil disposal, drainage, subgrade repair, plate-compactor or saw rental, labor, permits, tax, and site access are not included.