Paver Calculator
Enter the size of the area, the size of one paver and the joint between pavers to see how many to buy. Add a waste allowance, and optionally the number of pavers on a pallet to count pallets.
Last updated November 4, 2026
1/8 in (3 mm) is a typical default. Set it to your sand joint.
10% is a common starting point for cuts and breakage.
From your supplier. Leave blank to skip pallets.
Result
568 pavers
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Area to pave | 120 sq ft |
| Pavers needed | 516 |
| With 10% waste | 568 |
| Paver face area covered | 114.667 sq ft |
Area method: it does not draw the pattern, so edge cuts can change the count. Base material and edging are not included.
Show the work
Formula: pavers = ceil(area / ((length + joint) x (width + joint))); with waste = ceil(pavers x (1 + waste / 100))
- Area: 10 ft x 12 ft = 120 sq ft.
- Paver cell: (8 + 0.125) x (4 + 0.125) = 33.516 square in, each paver plus one 0.125 in joint.
- Pavers: area / cell, rounded up = 516.
- Waste: 516 x (1 + 10 / 100) rounded up = 568 pavers.
Result: 568 pavers
How the number of pavers is worked out
pavers = ceil( area ÷ ((length + joint) × (width + joint)) )
with waste = ceil( pavers × (1 + waste ÷ 100) )
Every paver sits in a cell made of the paver plus one joint in each direction. The area is divided by the cell size and rounded up. This is the area method: it does not draw rows, so it does not know where cuts fall at the edges.
A 10 ft by 12 ft patio is 17,280 square inches. With 8 by 4 in pavers and a 1/8 in joint, each cell is 8.125 × 4.125 = 33.5156 square inches. Then 17,280 ÷ 33.5156 = 515.6, so 516 pavers. Adding 10 percent gives 567.6, so 568 pavers, which is 6 pallets of 100.
See how we calculate for the formulas, sources and review schedule behind every calculator.
Joint width
The joint is the gap filled with sand or another jointing material. The default is 1/8 in (3 mm), a typical figure that you should change to match your paver and jointing method. With no joint, the same patio needs 540 pavers instead of 516.
What the count leaves out
Only the pavers are counted. Base material, bedding sand and edge restraints are separate. The Gravel Calculator covers the base, and the Square Footage Calculator helps with irregular shapes.
How to use the Paver Calculator
- Choose imperial or metric, then enter the area as length and width or as one total area.
- Enter the length and width of one paver and the joint width.
- Set the waste percentage, 10 percent by default.
- Enter pavers per pallet if you want a pallet count.
- Read the pavers to buy, then use Copy, Print or Share.
Worked example
A 10 ft by 12 ft patio with 8 by 4 in pavers and a 1/8 in joint needs 17,280 ÷ 33.5156 = 515.6, so 516 pavers. With 10 percent waste that is 568, or 6 pallets of 100.
| Area | Pavers | With waste | Pallets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft × 10 ft | 430 | 473 | 5 |
| 10 ft × 12 ft | 516 | 568 | 6 |
| 12 ft × 12 ft | 619 | 681 | 7 |
| 20 ft × 20 ft | 1,719 | 1,891 | 19 |
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need for a patio?
Divide the area by one paver plus its joint and round up. A 10 ft by 12 ft patio of 8 by 4 in pavers needs 516, or 568 with 10 percent waste.
How much waste should I allow for pavers?
Ten percent is a common starting point. Curves, diagonal patterns and many edge cuts usually need more, so check with your supplier.
Does the joint width change the count?
Yes. A wider joint means each paver covers more ground, so fewer are needed. The effect is larger for small pavers.
Does this include the base or sand?
No, it counts pavers only. Base stone and bedding sand depend on depth, so work them out separately.