Paver Calculator

Calculate how many pavers you need for your patio, walkway, or driveway. Accounts for joint spacing, pattern waste, and border pavers so you order the right amount the first time.

Project Area

Length

Width

Paver Size

Pattern

Include border pavers

Joint Spacing

Extra Waste

Price per Paver

$/ea

Worked Example

A homeowner is building a 200 sq ft patio using 6″ × 9″ pavers in a herringbone pattern with 1/8″ joints.

1 Patio area: 200 sq ft
2 Paver size: 6″ × 9″ with 1/8″ joint spacing
3 Effective paver area: (6.125 × 9.125) / 144 = 0.388 sq ft per paver
4 Base pavers: 200 / 0.388 = 516 pavers
5 Herringbone pattern waste (+10%): +52 pavers
6 Extra waste (+5%): +28 pavers
7 Total: 516 + 52 + 28 = 596 pavers
8 At $0.75/paver: 596 × $0.75 = $447

Order 596 pavers. At $0.75 per paver, the material cost is approximately $447.

How Paver Count Is Calculated

First, the effective paver area is calculated by adding the joint spacing to each paver dimension: (width + joint) × (length + joint). This accounts for the small gaps between pavers filled with polymeric sand.

The base paver count is your project area divided by the effective paver area. Pattern waste is then added based on the layout — herringbone requires more edge cuts than running bond. Finally, your extra waste percentage is applied to cover breakage and mistakes.

If you include a border (soldier course), perimeter pavers are calculated separately and added to the total. All counts are rounded up — you can’t buy half a paver.

Paver Pattern Comparison

Pattern	Extra Waste	Best For
Running Bond	+5%	Standard and versatile — works everywhere
Herringbone	+10%	Strongest — ideal for driveways and high traffic
Basketweave	+5%	Classic look for patios and garden paths
Stacked (Grid)	+2%	Modern and minimal — fewest cuts needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Which paver pattern is strongest? +

Herringbone is the strongest pattern for high-traffic areas and driveways. The interlocking 45-degree or 90-degree layout distributes load across multiple pavers and resists shifting under vehicle weight. It requires about 10% more pavers due to edge cuts.

How much waste should I allow for pavers? +

Plan for 5% extra waste for most projects. Add the pattern waste on top of that — running bond adds 5%, herringbone adds 10%, and stacked/grid adds only 2%. Irregular-shaped areas or diagonal cuts near edges may need up to 15% total waste.

What size paver is most popular? +

The 6" x 9" paver is the most popular size for residential patios and walkways. It offers a good balance between coverage speed and visual appeal. For driveways, 4" x 8" pavers in a herringbone pattern are preferred for their strength.

Do I need border pavers? +

Border pavers (soldier course) are recommended but not required. They create a clean finished edge, help contain the field pavers, and reduce the number of cuts needed along the perimeter. Most designs use the same paver turned perpendicular as a border.

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only. Actual material requirements depend on site conditions, compaction, grading, and local building codes. Always verify measurements on-site and consult with your material supplier before purchasing.