How Many Pavers Do I Need? (Patio Size Table)
Paver counts for common patio sizes in four popular paver sizes, how much extra to buy for cuts, and how to measure odd shapes.
The number of pavers comes down to three things: the area of the patio, the size of one paver, and how much extra you buy for cuts and breakage. Get the area right and the rest is simple division.
The formula
- Patio area in square feet = length × width (in feet).
- Add extra for cuts: multiply by 1.05 for a simple running bond or grid pattern, 1.07 for basket weave, or 1.10 for herringbone.
- Divide by the area of one paver in square feet. A 6” × 9” paver is 0.375 sq ft (6 × 9 ÷ 144).
- Round up to a whole paver.
Pavers per square foot
| Paver | Pavers per sq ft |
|---|---|
| 4" × 8" brick paver | 4.5 |
| 6" × 9" rectangle | 2.67 |
| 12" × 12" square | 1 |
| 16" × 16" slab | 0.56 |
Paver count table
Running bond pattern with 5% extra for cuts, rounded up to whole pavers.
| Patio | Area | 4” × 8” | 6” × 9” | 12” × 12” | 16” × 16” |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 100 sq ft | 473 | 280 | 105 | 60 |
| 10 × 12 ft | 120 sq ft | 567 | 336 | 126 | 71 |
| 12 × 12 ft | 144 sq ft | 681 | 404 | 152 | 86 |
| 12 × 16 ft | 192 sq ft | 908 | 538 | 202 | 114 |
| 14 × 20 ft | 280 sq ft | 1323 | 784 | 294 | 166 |
| 20 × 20 ft | 400 sq ft | 1890 | 1120 | 420 | 237 |
Pattern changes the count
Patterns with more angled cuts need more spare pavers. For a 12 × 16 ft patio in 6” × 9” pavers, running bond needs 538 pavers, while herringbone needs 564. See Paver Patterns for how each pattern looks and performs.
Measuring odd shapes
- L-shapes: split into two rectangles, work out each and add them.
- Circles: area = 3.14 × radius × radius. Add another 5% on top, because every paver around the edge is cut.
- Curved edges: measure the longest length and widest width, work out that rectangle, then take off the corners you’re leaving out. Rounding up is safer than running short.
Buy a few spares
Keep a handful of leftover pavers after the job. Colors vary between production runs, so a paver bought years later to replace a cracked one may not match. Many suppliers sell by the full pallet and take back unopened pallets, so ask about returns before you order.
Don’t forget the rest
Pavers are only part of the order. You’ll also need a crushed gravel base, bedding sand, joint sand and edging; see How to Build a Paver Patio for the full list and Paver Patio Base Depth for how deep to dig.
The Paver Patio Planner works out the pavers and every other material for your exact size, shape and pattern.