12×16 patio
192 sq ft, 4 in base, 10% waste.
~211 sq ft order, ~2.4 cu yd base — mid thousands installed.
Estimator · Free
Paver Patio Calculator
Patio area, base depth, pattern waste, and edging → paver square feet, base yards, and installed cost band.
Materials
211 sq ft order
Base 2.5 cu yd · sand 0.7 cu yd
- Installed band
- $2,500–$5,700
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pavers to order | 211 sq ft |
| Compacted base | 2.49 cu yd |
| Bedding sand | 0.65 cu yd |
| Typical install | $3,700 |
Quick answer
Order pavers at your patio square footage plus 5–15% waste, and plan about 4–6 inches of compacted gravel base plus sand bedding — installed patios often run $12–$28 per square foot. Enter area and base depth below.
What this assumes
- Waste factor covers cuts and breakage — herringbone needs more than running bond.
- Base depth is compacted aggregate — not total dig depth.
- Includes typical sand bedding — not permeable paver systems with open-graded base.
Important
Call 811 before digging. Slope pavement away from structures per code.
Understanding the result
Base is most of the work
Pavers are the visible layer — 4–6 inches of compacted gravel and 1 inch of sand are standard for patios.
Order with waste
Add 5–15% depending on pattern — running bond at 10% is a safe default.
How the math works
Order sq ft = area × (1 + waste%). Base cu yd from area × base depth. Cost = area × installed $/sq ft × regional blend.
Where to find each input
- Patio dimensions — or survey
- Paver pallet coverage — vendor sheet
- Base depth — spec from paver manufacturer
- Edging LF — restraint product
Worked examples
Walkway 4×40
160 sq ft, herringbone 15% waste.
Higher waste — more cuts.
Large 400 sq ft entertainment pad
6 in base, edging 80 LF.
Compaction and grading dominate — verify machine access.
What this does not include
- Permeable base design
- Retaining walls
- Outdoor kitchen footings
Regional adjustment
Freeze-thaw climates need deeper base — local paver spec may exceed defaults.
Accuracy and references
ICPI installation guidelines; True Trade Path driveway/patio cost ranges.
Counterpart bridge
Pricing this on the contractor side?
This page interprets quotes and budgets from the buyer’s chair. The matching pro tool uses the same scope logic to build a defensible price.
Open Landscaper Pricing CalculatorFor trade owners
Pricing this job as a contractor?
Homeowners see national ranges on this page. If you are building the estimate, use the same scope assumptions — then price to burdened labor, overhead recovery and a real margin.
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Find a licensed pro
When you are ready to hire for paver patio calculator, start with licence verification — not with whoever answered first.
No paid placement
Rankings are never sold. Order reflects verification depth and relevance, not payment.
Verify any licence yourself before signing: state licensing hub.
Common questions
How much base for pavers?
Patios commonly need 4–6 inches compacted gravel plus 1 inch sand bedding.
How many pavers per square foot?
Depends on paver size — vendors list coverage per square foot on the pallet.
How much does a paver patio cost?
Installed dry-laid patios often $12–$28 per square foot depending on material and prep.
What waste factor should I use?
10% for running bond; 12–15% for diagonal or herringbone.
Do I need edging?
Yes — plastic or metal edge restraint prevents migration.
Can I lay pavers on dirt?
No — without compacted base you will get settling and weeds.
Permeable pavers?
Different base design — this tool models conventional compacted aggregate.
DIY vs pro?
DIY saves labor; compaction and grading are where pros earn their fee.
Is this a quote from a contractor?
No — it is a planning band from published medians and engineering rules. Always collect written, itemized bids.
Can I save my results?
Use Print / save PDF on the shareable card or save to your homeowner account when signed in.
Why does my metro change the number?
Labor and permit costs vary by market. We apply a regional cost index from our metro table.
What vintage are the cost ranges?
2024–2026 residential medians cross-checked with True Trade Path cost guides and RSMeans-style repair data.
Does this include tax?
Unless your quote says otherwise, assume sales tax may apply to materials in your state.
Should I get three quotes?
Yes — three comparable scopes are the standard check before you sign.
What if my house is unusual?
Historic homes, steep sites, and commercial-grade equipment need site-specific quotes — treat this as a screen.
Where is the pro counterpart?
See the counterpart bridge at the bottom — contractors use the paired tool to build defensible pricing.
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