Paving stone material estimator
Paver Patio Calculator
Estimate individual pavers, pallets, compacted aggregate base, bedding sand, edge restraint, excavation and material cost for patios, walkways and other rectangular paved areas.
Layer assumptions referenced to CMHA guidanceUpdated
Project inputs
Measure the paved area
Paved sectionsAdd rectangles for steps, landings or connected patio areas.
Surface
Paver size and pattern
Foundation
Base and bedding layers
Perimeter
Edge restraint
Optional material prices
Pavers to order1,469 pavers
For 300 sq ft in running bond, including 7% paver allowance.
2.38 in pavers
1 in bedding sand
6 in compacted base
Prepared subgrade
Purchase checklist
Paver patio material breakdown
| Material | Quantity | Unit price | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated material total | USD 2,434 | ||
Joint sand, geotextile, delivery, equipment, drainage, labor, taxes and site-specific excavation are not included.
Transparent math
How the paver estimate is calculated
- 1Add rectangular project areas
20 ft x 15 ft = 300 sq ft
- 2Divide by the paver module and add pattern allowance
ceil(43,200 in² / 31.5 in²) x 1.07 = 1,469 pavers
- 3Calculate compacted aggregate base
300 sq ft x 0.5 ft x 1.10 x 139 lb/ft³ / 2,000 = 11.47 US tons
- 4Calculate bedding sand
300 sq ft x 0.0833 ft x 1.10 = 27.5 ft³ = 55 bags
- 5Total exposed perimeter for edge restraint
70 ft - 0 ft deduction = 70 ft / 8 ft = 9 pieces
Installation assumptions
What to confirm before ordering
Bedding course
CMHA guidance uses a nominal 1 in (25 mm) bedding sand layer for interlocking concrete pavers. Bedding material should not be used to correct an uneven base.
Base depth
The default 6 in base is a planning example for a residential patio. Soil, drainage, frost, climate and vehicle loading can require a different design.
Paver dimensions
Use actual face dimensions and the intended joint width. Mixed-size patterns should be estimated from the manufacturer's stated coverage per layer or pallet.
Compacted dimensions matter
Enter finished compacted layer depths. Loose delivered aggregate may occupy more volume before placement and compaction; confirm bulk density and delivery quantity with the supplier.
Common planning questions
Paver calculator FAQ
How many extra pavers should I order?
The preset allowances are 5% for straight lay, 7% for running bond and 10% for herringbone. Complex borders, curves, color blending and mixed-size patterns may need more.
Does joint width affect the paver count?
Yes. The calculator treats paver length plus joint width and paver width plus joint width as one repeating module.
Does the sand result include polymeric joint sand?
No. It estimates the bedding course only. Joint sand coverage depends heavily on paver thickness, joint width and product specifications.
Why can multiple rectangles overstate edge restraint?
Each rectangle contributes its full perimeter. Enter shared boundaries or wall edges in the deduction field so they are not counted twice.
Can I use this for a driveway?
The arithmetic works, but vehicular pavement requires a project-specific base, compaction and drainage design. Verify it with the paver manufacturer or a qualified local installer.