The formula, your substituted values, and the evaluated result are shown below.
This is a planning estimate. Confirm dimensions, allowances, material specifications, applicable codes, and supplier requirements before purchasing or construction.
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How the Paver Calculator works
Estimate the number of pavers needed from area, unit coverage, and waste allowance.
Before using the result
This is a planning estimate. Confirm dimensions, allowances, material specifications, applicable codes, and supplier requirements before purchasing or construction.
Estimate the number of pavers needed from area, unit coverage, and waste allowance.
Calculator guide
How the paver calculator works
The calculator divides the paved area by the area of one paver, adds waste for cuts, and rounds up:
Pavers = round up( area (m²) ÷ paver area (m²) × (1 + waste % ÷ 100) )
Work out the paver area in square metres from its face size. A 230 × 115 mm clay paver is 0.23 × 0.115 = 0.02645 m².
Worked example: a 5 m × 4 m patio
Area: 5 × 4 = 20 m²
Paver 230 × 115 mm: 0.02645 m² (about 37.8 per m²)
Waste 5%: 20 ÷ 0.02645 × 1.05 = 793.9, rounded up to 794 pavers
Many suppliers sell by the square metre or by the pallet. Knowing you need 21 m² including waste makes ordering easy.
Waste allowance by pattern
Pattern
Suggested waste
Stretcher or stack bond, square area
5%
Basket weave
5–7%
Herringbone (90° or 45°)
10%
Curves, circles or many edges
10–15%
Don't forget the base
Pavers rely on the layers under them: - Base: compacted road base, often 75–100 mm for paths and patios and 100–150 mm or more for driveways - Bedding sand: about 20–30 mm, screeded level. Our paver sand calculator covers this. - Edge restraint: a concrete haunch or edging to stop pavers spreading - Jointing sand: swept into the joints after laying
Common mistakes
Entering the paver size in millimetres rather than as an area in m².
Forgetting cuts along edges and around drains.
Skipping the edge restraint, so the pavers creep apart.
Laying on uncompacted fill, which later settles into dips.
How many pavers per square metre?
About 37.8 for 230 × 115 mm pavers, 25 for 200 × 200 mm and 11.1 for 300 × 300 mm.
How much bedding sand do I need under pavers?
Allow a 20–30 mm layer, which is 0.02–0.03 m³ per square metre of paving.
Can I lay pavers directly on soil?
Not if you want them to last. Pavers need a compacted crushed-rock base and a sand bedding layer to stay level.