Formula
Pavers = area (sq ft) ÷ (paver size in feet)², rounded up. With waste: pavers × 1.10, rounded up. Example: 100 sq ft with 12-inch pavers needs 100 pavers, or 110 with 10% waste.
How to use it, step by step
Measure the patio or path area in square feet, including the full paved area but not the edging. Enter the paver size as the side of a square paver in inches. For rectangular pavers, use the equivalent square size that gives the same area per paver, or calculate pavers per square foot from the paver's own area. Always order the waste allowance — cuts at edges, corners and around drains use more pavers than a clean rectangle suggests.
Worked example in detail
A 10 ft × 10 ft patio is 100 square feet. With 12-inch (1 ft) pavers, that is 100 pavers, 110 with waste. With 6-inch pavers, the same patio needs 400 pavers, 440 with waste — small pavers look good but need four times as many units and much more laying time. That trade-off is worth knowing before you choose a size for looks alone.
What affects real paver needs
Pattern, edge cuts, and breakage all increase the count. A herringbone pattern wastes more than a simple running bond. Irregular shapes, circles and curves waste more than rectangles. Keep a few spare pavers after the job for future repairs — matching the same batch and colour later is often impossible, so spares are worth more than the few dollars they cost now.
Frequently asked questions
Does this include joint gaps?
No — it assumes pavers laid edge to edge. Wide joints (over about 0.25 inch) reduce the count slightly, but the waste allowance usually covers the difference. For precise jointed layouts, ask your supplier for a layout calculation.
What about a base layer?
Pavers need a compacted base of gravel and sand underneath, which is a separate volume calculation. Use the gravel calculator for the base layer volume.
Should I order extra beyond 10%?
For complex patterns or curved edges, order 15% extra. For a simple rectangle, 10% is usually enough.