A paver patio needs pavers, base gravel, and sand. Pavers come from area ÷ paver size with waste; base and sand come from area × their depths as cubic yards.
The example
200 sq ft, 0.25 sq ft/paver, 8% waste.
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Item | Value |
| 2 | 216 / 0.25 | 864 |
| 3 | Pavers | → 864 |
The formula
The formula:
How it works
How it works:
- Pavers = area × (1 + waste) ÷ coverage per paver, rounded up.
- Base gravel = area × base depth(ft) ÷ 27 cubic yards (often 4–6 in).
- Bedding sand = area × 1 in ÷ 12 ÷ 27 yards (~1-inch layer).
- Add waste (5–10%) for cuts on borders and curves.
A patio is three material calcs, not one. Pavers come from area ÷ paver size (with cut waste); the base gravel and bedding sand each come from area × their own depth, converted to cubic yards (÷ 27). Forgetting the base and sand is the classic underbid — they’re often a bigger material cost than the pavers themselves. Compute all three from the same area and you can’t leave one out.
Try it: interactive demo
Area, paver coverage, waste; base depth.
Variations
Base gravel (yards)
Area × depth ÷ 27:
Bedding sand (yards)
~1-inch layer:
Total cost
Sum the materials:
Pitfalls & errors
All three materials. Pavers, base, and sand — don’t skip base/sand.
Add waste. 5–10% for paver cuts.
Yards via ÷ 27. Base and sand in cubic yards.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate pavers for a patio in Excel?
How much base gravel and sand?
What's the most common patio underbid?
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