How Paver Math Works
Building a paver patio requires precise material calculation. Shorting your order on gravel or pavers will stall your project, as matching dye lots from the manufacturer on a later date can result in mismatched colors.
Calculating Pavers (The 10% Rule)
To find the total number of pavers, we calculate the total square footage of the patio and divide it by the square footage of a single paver. Crucially, a 10% waste factor must be added to the total. Every time you reach the edge of the patio or a curved border, you will have to cut a paver with a wet saw, creating unusable scrap.
The Sub-Base (Gravel and Sand)
A patio is only as strong as its foundation. In climates that freeze, or for standard pedestrian use, the industry standard is a 4-inch deep base of compacted Class 5 gravel (also known as ¾-minus or road base), topped with exactly 1 inch of concrete sand for leveling.
Because bulk materials are sold by volume, this calculator automatically converts your patio's square footage at these specific depths into Cubic Yards so you can call a landscape supply company and order the exact truckload required.