Pavers Calculator
A paved area is three material orders in one: the pavers themselves, a compacted gravel base and a sand bedding layer. This calculator estimates all three from your area dimensions.
Choose your paver format, add waste for edge cuts, and get piece counts plus base material tonnage.
Enter valid values to see the results.
Formula
Paver areas: 20×10 cm = 0.02 m² (0.22 ft²), 20×20 = 0.04 m² (0.44 ft²), 40×40 = 0.16 m² (1.78 ft²), 60×40 = 0.24 m² (2.67 ft²). Base: 10 cm compacted gravel at 1.5 t/m³; bedding: 3 cm sand at 1.6 t/m³.
How to measure
- Measure the full length and width of the paved zone, including borders.
- For curved areas, measure the bounding rectangle and subtract obvious empty corners.
- Plan a 1–2% slope away from buildings for drainage before setting depths.
Worked example
Practical tips
- Herringbone pattern at 45° or 90° interlocks best for driveways; running bond suits paths.
- Always install edge restraints first — pavers spread sideways without them.
- Order pavers from one batch and mix pieces from 3–4 pallets while laying for even colour.
- Sweep kiln-dried sand into joints and compact twice for a locked surface.
Waste allowance
Use 5% for rectangular areas with straight patterns, 10% for herringbone, and 15% for curves and circles where every edge piece is cut.
Pavers per unit area by size
| Paver size | Per m² | Per ft² |
|---|---|---|
| 20 × 10 cm | 50 | 4.5 |
| 20 × 20 cm | 25 | 2.25 |
| 40 × 40 cm | 6.25 | 0.56 |
| 60 × 40 cm | 4.2 | 0.37 |
Common mistakes
- 1 Skipping or thinning the gravel base — pavers on sand alone sink and rock within a year.
- 2 Forgetting edge restraints, so the field creeps and joints open up.
- 3 Ordering exact count without waste: edge cuts on a 24 m² patio can consume 50+ brick-format pavers.
- 4 Laying on uncompacted bedding sand, which creates dips after the first rain.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need per square metre?
Brick-format 20×10 cm: 50 per m². 20×20 cm: 25. 40×40 cm slabs: 6.25. Always add 5–15% waste on top.
How deep should the base be under pavers?
10 cm (4 in) of compacted gravel for patios and paths, 15–20 cm for driveways, plus 3 cm of bedding sand on top.
How much sand and gravel for a 24 m² patio?
Gravel base at 10 cm: 2.4 m³ ≈ 3.6 tonnes. Bedding sand at 3 cm: 0.72 m³ ≈ 1.15 tonnes.
Can I lay pavers on concrete?
Yes — on a sound slab use a 2–3 cm sand or mortar bed. Drill drainage holes through low spots so water does not sit under the pavers.
What is the best pattern for a driveway?
45° herringbone — it resists braking and turning forces best. Avoid running bond on driveways; rows can creep under wheels.