Paver Calculator

Calculate how many pavers and how much sand and gravel you need for patios, walkways and driveways.

Part of:Landscaping hubDriveways hub
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How to Use This Calculator

What This Calculator Does

This paver (block paving) calculator works out how many pavers you need for a patio, path or driveway, plus the sand and gravel base beneath them. It's for DIYers and landscapers who want an accurate paver count and a full materials list before ordering.

How to Use

  1. Choose imperial or metric units.
  2. Enter the length and width of the area to be paved.
  3. Enter the size of a single paver.
  4. Set the joint width and a waste percentage (5-10% is sensible for cuts).
  5. Read off the paver count plus sand and gravel quantities.

Worked Example

For a patio 4 m × 3 m using 200 × 100 mm pavers with a 3 mm joint:

  1. Area = 4 × 3 = 12 m².
  2. Each paver plus its joint covers about 0.0206 m², so you need roughly 583 pavers.
  3. Adding 10% waste for cuts gives about 642 pavers to order.

Tips

  • Common paver sizes: 200×100 mm (8×4 in) or 150×150 mm (6×6 in).
  • Always lay over a compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base topped with sharp sand.
  • Brush polymeric or kiln-dried sand into the joints to lock pavers and deter weeds.
  • Fit edge restraints around the perimeter so the pavers can't creep.

Common Questions

How many pavers per square foot?

It depends on paver size. For 4×8 inch pavers, about 4.5 per sq ft. For 6×6 inch, about 4 per sq ft.

How do I stop weeds growing between pavers?

Brush kiln-dried or polymeric jointing sand fully into the joints and top it up over time. A weed membrane under the sub-base and the occasional sweep also keep weeds down.

Do I need edging?

Yes – edge restraints prevent pavers from shifting. Calculate the perimeter for the length of edging needed.

Do I need to seal block paving?

Sealing is optional but helps lock in the jointing sand, resist oil and stains, and keep the colours bright. Let new paving weather and fully dry for a few weeks first.

What goes under block paving?

A compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base topped with a 30–50 mm bed of sharp sand, with jointing sand brushed in afterwards.

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