How many pavers, and how much base gravel and bedding sand
Updated October 2026
Measure length and width in feet. For an L-shape or a patio with a cut-out, split it into rectangles, run each one, and add the results. Choose the paver’s face size (most are sold by nominal size; check the product sheet if the actual size differs). The extra covers cuts and breakage. Base depth is the compacted crushed-stone layer, and bedding sand is the screeded layer the pavers sit on. A price per paver is optional. Results list the paver count, gravel and sand in cubic yards and approximate tons, edging length, and how deep to dig.
| Paver size | Pavers per sq ft | Per 100 sq ft (no waste) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 × 8 in | 4.50 | 450 |
| 6 × 6 in | 4.00 | 400 |
| 6 × 9 in | 2.67 | 267 |
| 12 × 12 in | 1.00 | 100 |
| 16 × 16 in | 0.56 | 57 |
| 24 × 24 in | 0.25 | 25 |
Area: 12 × 16 = 192 square feet. A 4 × 8-inch paver covers 32 ÷ 144 = 0.222 square feet, so 192 ÷ 0.222 = 864 pavers; with 10% extra, 864 × 1.10 = 950.4, rounded up to 951. Base: 192 × 4 ÷ 12 = 64 cubic feet, ÷ 27 = 2.37 cubic yards, about 3.3 tons at 1.4 tons per yard. Sand: 192 × 1 ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = 0.59 cubic yards. Edging: 2 × (12 + 16) = 56 feet. Dig depth: 4 + 1 + 2 3/8 = 7.4 inches below finished grade.
4 × 8-inch pavers, 10% extra, 4-inch base and 1-inch sand:
| Patio | Pavers | Gravel base | Bedding sand | Edging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft (100 sq ft) | 496 | 1.23 yd³ (1.7 t) | 0.31 yd³ | 40 ft |
| 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | 713 | 1.78 yd³ (2.5 t) | 0.44 yd³ | 48 ft |
| 16 × 12 ft (192 sq ft) | 951 | 2.37 yd³ (3.3 t) | 0.59 yd³ | 56 ft |
| 20 × 16 ft (320 sq ft) | 1,585 | 3.95 yd³ (5.5 t) | 0.99 yd³ | 72 ft |
| 20 × 20 ft (400 sq ft) | 1,981 | 4.94 yd³ (6.9 t) | 1.23 yd³ | 80 ft |
A paver patio is only as good as what is under it. Installation guides call for at least 4 inches of compacted crushed-stone base for patios and walkways over well-drained soil, more over clay or for driveways, compacted in 2-to-3-inch lifts. On top goes about 1 inch of coarse bedding sand, screeded level but not compacted before the pavers are set; sand should never be used to fill low spots in the base. Extend the base beyond the patio edge by its own thickness so the edge restraint has solid support.
Add about 5% for a simple rectangle with a running-bond or stacked pattern, 10% for most patios, and 15% for herringbone, circles or many curves and cuts. Leftover pavers from the same production run are worth keeping for repairs. Gravel and sand tonnages here use typical bulk weights; your supplier’s material may weigh a little more or less per yard.
Thickening the sand to fix a bumpy base. Sand shifts; fix the base instead. Skipping compaction of the soil and each base lift, which leads to settling. Ordering base by loose volume when the depth is compacted: crushed stone loses volume when compacted, so ask your supplier how much extra to order. No slope. Patios need a slight fall away from the house so water drains. Forgetting edge restraint, which lets the outer rows creep. Digging before utilities are marked. Contact 811, the free national before-you-dig service, a few business days ahead.