Paving Calculator

Project Type

Sand-set, running bond, 5% waste, 25 mm bedding, 100 mm sub-base, 50 mm paver thickness.

Area Shape

Dimensions

Length

Width

Paver Size

Paver Length

Paver Width

Paver Thickness

Joint Width

Pattern

Paver Pattern

Running Bond—Waste: 5%

Installation

Installation Method

Sand bedding plus joint sand or polymeric sand. Suitable for interlocking pavers in pedestrian and vehicular applications.

Joint Material

Kiln-dried sand swept into joints. Economical; may need periodic topping up.

Bedding Depth

Sub-base Depth

Joint Bag Weight

Bedding Bag Weight

Waste

Include Cost Estimation

Total Pavers Needed

Running Bond · 5% waste · Sand-Set (Bedding Sand)

754pavers

718 base+36 waste47.8 /m²

Project Area & Paver Density

5 m × 3 m

Project Area

15.00 m²

161.46 ft²

Paver Density

47.8 /m²

Paver: 200×100 mm, joint: 3 mm

Materials Breakdown

Sand-Set (Bedding Sand) · 25 mm bedding · 100 mm sub-base · 50 mm paver

Joint Sand

54.0 kg

3 × 25 kg bags

Bedding Sand

0.60 tonnes

24 × 25 kg bags · 25 mm depth

Sub-base Stone

3.00 tonnes

100 mm depth · ~2.0 t/m³ density

Sand density: 1.6 t/m³ · Sub-base: 2.0 t/m³ · Joint Sand: sand-based

Paver Count & Waste

Running Bond pattern · 5% waste factor

Base Count

718 pavers

Calculated from area ÷ effective paver size (rounded up)

Waste

36 pavers (+5%)

Pattern: Running Bond · 5% waste

Total

754 pavers

Rounded up — always buy a few extra for cuts

What Is a Paving Calculator?

Estimate pavers, sand, sub-base, and installed cost for patios, driveways, and walkways

A Paving Calculator helps you determine exactly how many pavers, joint material bags, bedding material, and sub-base stone you need for your paving project. Whether you are laying a patio, driveway, garden path, or circular area, accurate material estimation saves money and prevents multiple trips to the supplier.

5 Patterns

Running Bond

Herringbone, Basketweave & more

4 Shapes

Rectangle, Circle

L-Shape & Custom Area

Free

No sign-up

Unlimited calculations

Used by: DIY homeowners, landscapers, contractors, and builders to plan patio, driveway, and walkway projects. The calculator accounts for joint spacing, pattern waste, paver thickness, bedding depth, sub-base thickness, and separate configurable joint-material and bedding-material bag weights weights — details that basic “area divided by brick size” calculators miss. Supports both metric and imperial units with multi-currency installed-cost estimation. For asphalt or blacktop projects, see our Asphalt Calculator.

How Is the Paver Count Calculated?

The formulas behind paver and material estimation

The calculation uses four steps: find your project area, divide by the effective paver size (including joints), apply a pattern-based waste factor, then compute joint material, bedding, and sub-base volumes from area and depth.

Area

Area (m²) = Length × Width

For rectangles: length × width. For circles: π × (diameter ÷ 2)². For L-shapes: sum of two rectangles. The calculator converts imperial units to metric automatically.

Paver Count

Pavers = Ceil(Area ÷ ((PaverL + Joint) × (PaverW + Joint)))

The effective paver size includes half a joint width on each side. For example, a 200×100 mm paver with 3 mm joints covers 0.0209 m² (not 0.02 m²). Always round up.

Waste

Total Pavers = Base × (1 + Waste% ÷ 100)

Waste varies by pattern: running bond 5%, stacked bond 3%, herringbone 10%, basketweave 12%. You can override with a custom waste percentage for irregular areas.

Materials

Volume = Area × Depth; Weight = Volume × Density

Joint material uses the total joint length and paver thickness. Bedding sand/mortar uses the user-set bedding depth. Sub-base uses area × sub-base depth at 2.0 t/m³ density. Bags are calculated from separate configurable joint-material and bedding-material bag weights.

Worked Example: 5 m × 3 m Patio with Running Bond

Area = 5 × 3 = 15 m²
Paver: 200×100 mm, Joint: 3 mm → Effective area = 0.203 × 0.103 = 0.0209 m²
Pavers per m² = 1 ÷ 0.0209 ≈ 47.8
Base pavers = Ceil(15 × 47.8) = 718
Waste (5% running bond) = Ceil(718 × 0.05) = 36
Total pavers = 718 + 36 = 754 pavers
Joint sand (50 mm thickness) = 15 m² × 15 per-m² joint length × 0.003 m joint × 0.050 m thickness × 1600 kg/m³ = 54 kg (3 × 25 kg bags)

Paver Patterns & Waste Factors

How your laying pattern affects material requirements

Different laying patterns require different amounts of cutting and therefore produce varying waste. Below is a comparison of the five supported patterns.

Pattern	Waste	Difficulty	Best For
Running Bond	5%	Easy	Patios, walkways, driveways
Stacked Bond	3%	Easy	Modern patios, clean lines
Herringbone 45°	10%	Moderate	Driveways, high-traffic areas
Herringbone 90°	10%	Moderate	Formal layouts, driveways
Basketweave	12%	Moderate	Patios, decorative areas

Pro tip

Waste factors are industry-standard estimates. Actual waste depends on your specific layout, the shape of your area, and cutting skill. Always buy at least 5% extra even for simple patterns, and consider 2–3% extra for future repairs since pavers from different production batches can vary in colour.

Sand-Set vs Mortar-Set Installation

Choosing the right installation method for your project

Sand-Set

Sand-set installation uses a compacted sand bed (default 25 mm) with pavers laid directly on top and joint sand or polymeric sand swept into the gaps. This is the standard method for interlocking concrete pavers in both pedestrian and vehicular applications, as recommended by CMHA construction guidance.

Easier DIY, good drainage, permeable
Individual pavers can be replaced easily
Suitable for patios, walkways, and driveways
Joint sand or polymeric sand for joints

Mortar-Set

Mortar-set installation uses a mortar bed with pavers bedded into wet mortar and jointing mortar/compound applied to joints. This method is typically used for compatible slabs or natural stone rather than as a blanket driveway recommendation. See CMHA mortar-set guidance.

Stronger bond for slabs and stone
Resists weed growth and ant infestation
Higher cost, professional installation recommended
Harder to repair individual pavers

Which should you choose? Sand-set interlocking pavers are appropriate for both pedestrian and vehicular applications when properly installed with a compacted sub-base. Mortar-set is better suited to compatible slabs, stone, or areas requiring a rigid bond. The presets in this calculator provide planning defaults — always confirm with manufacturer product specifications and local requirements for your specific project conditions, soil type, and climate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Get your paving estimates right the first time

Forgetting waste for cuts

Even for perfectly rectangular areas, you will need to cut pavers at the edges. Always add at least 5% waste for running bond, up to 12% for basketweave. Ordering the exact calculated count guarantees you will run short.

Ignoring joint width

A 3 mm joint may seem small, but over 15 m² it reduces the paver count by 5–10%. Always account for joint spacing. Wider joints need more joint material but fewer pavers.

Underestimating sub-base depth

100 mm is a common planning starting point for patios and 150 mm for driveways, depending on soil, loading, and local requirements. Skimping on sub-base can lead to sinking and uneven surfaces. Compact in layers no thicker than ~75 mm each.

Using the wrong sand

For joints, use kiln-dried sand or polymeric sand. Building sand is not recommended for paving joints — it can contain clay and organic matter. Use the jointing material specified by your paver manufacturer. For bedding, use sharp sand or grit sand.

Not planning edge restraints

All paved areas need edge restraints (concrete haunching, metal or plastic edging) to prevent pavers from spreading. Without them, the outer pavers can shift over time. Add edge restraints to your materials list and budget.

Key Considerations & Pro Tips

Tips for a successful paving project

Always round up

Pavers are sold individually or by the pallet. Always round up your count — it is better to have a few extra than to run short mid-project. Pallet quantities vary by product and supplier; some 200×100 mm pavers ship 400–500 per pallet.

Compact the sub-base properly

Sub-base stone must be compacted in layers (max 75 mm per lift) using a plate compactor, not hand tamping. Uncompacted stone will settle over time. The calculator assumes fully compacted density at 2.0 t/m³.

Use polymeric sand for joints

Polymeric sand contains polymers that harden when wet, helping to resist weed growth and ant infestation. Select it as the joint material in the calculator to see the bag count.

Plan for drainage slope

Patios and driveways should slope away from buildings at 1:60 to 1:100 (about 10–17 mm per metre). This does not affect material quantities but is critical for preventing water pooling and damp issues.

Order extra for batch consistency

Pavers from different production batches can vary noticeably in colour and texture. Order 2–3% extra with your main order and store them for future repairs or modifications. Mix pavers from different pallets during installation to blend any slight colour variations.

Related Calculators

For complementary material calculations, see our Sub-Base Calculator, Sand Calculator, and Asphalt Calculator. These estimates are for planning purposes only. Material densities (sand: 1.6 t/m³, sub-base: 2.0 t/m³, mortar: 2.0 t/m³) are industry averages. Actual values vary by source, moisture content, and compaction. Always confirm quantities with your supplier and refer to manufacturer/local specifications for your specific project conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about paving calculations, costs, and installation

Measure your project area: for rectangles, multiply length × width in metres or feet. For circles, use π × (diameter ÷ 2)². For L-shapes, split into two rectangles and add them together. Our calculator supports all four area shapes — select the right shape, enter your measurements, and the area is computed automatically. For a 5 m × 3 m patio, the area is 15 m². For a 3 m diameter circle, the area is approximately 7.07 m². If you already know your total area, select ‘Custom Area’ and enter it directly.

Divide your project area by the effective paver size (paver length plus joint width, multiplied by paver width plus joint width). Then add waste based on your laying pattern: 5% for running bond, 10% for herringbone, 12% for basketweave. Always round up to the nearest whole paver. For example, a 15 m² patio with 200×100 mm pavers and 3 mm joints needs approximately 718 base pavers plus 36 waste (5% running bond) = 754 total pavers. You can also specify pack/pallet pricing in the cost section — enter the number of pavers per pack from your supplier.

Two materials are commonly used: joint material and bedding. Joint sand (or polymeric sand) fills the gaps between pavers — its volume depends on the total joint length per square metre, the joint width, and the paver thickness. For example, a 15 m² patio with 200×100×50 mm pavers and 3 mm joints requires approximately 54 kg of joint sand, which is 3 × 25 kg bags (or 3 × 55 lb bags). Bedding sand under pavers is calculated from area × bedding depth — a 25 mm bed over 15 m² requires about 0.375 m³, or 0.6 tonnes (24 × 25 kg bags). For sand-set installation, use sharp sand or grit sand for bedding and kiln-dried sand or polymeric sand for joints. For mortar-set, use a suitable mortar mix for bedding and jointing compound for the joints.

The same principles apply to larger slabs: divide your area by the effective slab size (including any joint gap) to get the base count, then add waste. Larger format slabs (300×300 mm, 600×200 mm) have fewer pieces per square metre but are heavier and harder to handle. Our calculator supports slabs up to 1200 mm/48 in — just enter the dimensions in the paver size section. For very large format slabs (e.g., 600×600 mm or 900×600 mm), you may want to use mortar-set installation with a suitable mortar bed and jointing compound, as slabs are less tolerant of uneven sand bedding.

Driveway paving costs vary widely by material, region, and site conditions, so the best approach is to use the calculator with your own local quotes. Enter your supplier prices for pavers (per unit, per area, or per pack), joint material, bedding, sub-base, labour (per area or flat), excavation, delivery, and edge restraints. The calculator then shows an itemised material subtotal, installation subtotal, and installed total with per-area cost. For asphalt driveways, see our Asphalt Calculator.

Herringbone (45° or 90°) is typically the best pattern for driveways because it interlocks pavers in all directions, helping resist lateral forces from turning tyres. Running bond can also work but is less resistant to turning forces. Stacked bond is not recommended for driveways as it has no lateral interlock. Herringbone typically needs about 10% additional pavers for cuts. Sub-base depths and jointing materials depend on soil, loading, drainage, and local requirements; polymeric sand can help resist weed growth and ant infestation.

Sand-set installation uses a compacted sand bed (typically 25 mm) with pavers laid on top and joint sand or polymeric sand swept into the gaps. This is the industry-standard method for interlocking concrete pavers in both pedestrian and vehicular applications, as it provides good drainage and allows individual paver replacement. Mortar-set installation uses a mortar bed with pavers bedded into wet mortar and jointing mortar/compound applied to the joints. Mortar-set provides a rigid bond and is typically used for compatible slabs, natural stone, or areas requiring sealed joints — it is not a blanket recommendation for driveways. See CMHA technical guidance for sand-set and mortar-set best practices.

Pallet quantities vary significantly by manufacturer, paver thickness, product type, and region. As a general guide, 200×100×50 mm concrete pavers may hold 400–500 units per pallet, larger format pavers (300×300 mm, 600×200 mm) fewer. Always confirm with your supplier. Our calculator shows packs required when you select per-pack pricing — enter the pavers per pack from your supplier and the price per pack.

Sub-base depths are planning starting points that depend on soil, loading, drainage, and local requirements. As general guidance: 100 mm (4 in) for patios and foot traffic, 150 mm (6 in) for driveways, and 200 mm (8 in) or more for heavy-duty applications. Compact in layers no thicker than ~75 mm (3 in) each using a plate compactor. Always confirm specifications with your engineer or local authority. See also our Sub-Base Calculator for detailed tonnage and bulk bag estimates.

Embed Paving Calculator

Add this calculator to your website or blog for free.

Explore more calculators

Last updated Jul 31, 2026

Paving Calculator

Project Area & Paver Density

Materials Breakdown

Paver Count & Waste

What Is a Paving Calculator?

How Is the Paver Count Calculated?

Paver Patterns & Waste Factors

Sand-Set vs Mortar-Set Installation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Key Considerations & Pro Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Embed Paving Calculator

You Might Also Like