Patio Calculator Guide
A patio calculator estimates materials, paver count, base layers, and costs for a paver patio. Enter dimensions, paver size, and base thickness to build a reliable bill of materials.
What is Patio Calculator?
The patio calculator turns your design (rectangle, circle, or custom area) into quantities for pavers, gravel, bedding sand, and edging. It also recommends waste factor and drainage slope.
How to Use the Patio Calculator
- Choose patio shape and enter dimensions (ft or m).
- Enter paver size (e.g., 6 in x 9 in) and pattern (running bond, herringbone).
- Set base thickness: gravel (subbase) and sand (bedding).
- Add waste (5-10%) for cuts and breakage.
- Calculate counts and volumes; estimate cost by multiplying by local prices.
Formulas & Methods
- Area: rectangle
A = L*W; circleA = pi*(D/2)^2; sum segments for custom. - Pavers needed:
Count = (A / A_paver) * (1 + waste)whereA_paver = (paver_L * paver_W)with pattern joint factor if needed. - Base volumes:
V_gravel = A * thickness_gravel;V_sand = A * thickness_sand. Convert to cubic yards or cubic meters. - Slope: target
1/4 in per ftdownward away from structures.
Assumptions & limitations
- Joint widths and pattern complexity affect coverage; add a small pattern factor if required.
- Soil bearing and freeze-thaw conditions may demand thicker subbase and geo-fabric.
- Costs vary by region; include delivery, compactor rental, and waste disposal.
Examples
Example A — 12x16 ft rectangle
A = 192 sq ft. Paver 6x9 in → A_paver = 0.375 sq ft. Waste = 8%.
Count = 192/0.375 * 1.08 ~ 553 pavers.
Base: gravel = 192 * (0.5 ft) = 96 cu ft = 3.56 yd^3. Sand = 192 * (1/12 ft) = 16 cu ft = 0.59 yd^3.
Example B — 14 ft diameter circle
A = pi*(7^2) ~ 153.94 sq ft. Same paver -> Count ~ 153.94/0.375 * 1.08 ~ 443 pavers.
| Material | Quantity | |---|---:| | Pavers (6x9) | ~553 | | Gravel (6 in) | ~3.56 yd^3 | | Sand (1 in) | ~0.59 yd^3 | | Edging | perimeter length |
Pro Tips & Best Practices
- Install edge restraint and compact each layer thoroughly.
- Use geotextile over clay soil to separate subgrade and gravel.
- Dry-lay a small section to verify pattern coverage before full order.
- Maintain the drainage slope away from buildings.
- Order extra pavers from the same batch to avoid color mismatch.
Related Calculators
FAQ
Q: How many pavers do I need?
A: Divide total patio area by the coverage area of one paver and add 5-10% for cuts and waste.
Q: How thick should the base be?
A: Commonly 4-6 inches of compacted gravel plus 1 inch of sand; adjust for soil and climate.
Q: Do I need edge restraints?
A: Yes—edge restraint keeps pavers locked and prevents spreading.
Q: How do I estimate material cost?
A: Multiply quantities (pavers, gravel, sand, edging) by unit prices and add delivery or equipment rental if applicable.
Q: Should I slope the patio?
A: Yes—about 1/4 inch per foot away from structures for drainage.
Call to Action
Enter your dimensions and paver size to get a complete materials list—then price it with local suppliers to lock your budget.