Short answer: multiply the patio's length by its width (in feet) to get square feet, add a margin for cuts and breakage, then divide by the area of one paver in square feet. A 10 × 12 ft patio is 120 square feet, 132 with a 10 percent margin. With 6 × 9 in pavers, which are 0.375 square feet each, that is 352 pavers.

If you just want the answer for your own measurements, use the paver calculator. Read on to understand the count, compare paver sizes or avoid the usual mistakes.

The formula, step by step

  1. Area in square feet. Length × width for a rectangle. Split other shapes into rectangles and circles, and subtract anything that will not be paved.
  2. Margin. Multiply by 1.10 to add 10 percent for cuts and breakage.
  3. Area of one paver in square feet. Length × width in inches, divided by 144. A 6 × 9 in paver is 54 ÷ 144 = 0.375 ft².
  4. Count. Area with margin ÷ area of one paver, rounded up.

Worked example: a 10 × 12 ft patio with 6 × 9 in pavers

Step Calculation Result
Area 10 ft × 12 ft 120 ft²
With 10% margin 120 × 1.10 132 ft²
One paver 6 × 9 in = 54 ÷ 144 0.375 ft²
Pavers 132 ÷ 0.375 352

Without the margin the same patio needs 320 pavers. The margin is 32 pavers, and the calculator lets you change it if your layout is simpler or harder than a straight pattern.

Quick reference: pavers per 100 square feet

These values come from the same arithmetic with the 10 percent margin (110 ft² to cover). Multiply by your area divided by 100.

Paver size (nominal) Area of one paver Pavers per 100 ft² (+10%)
4 × 8 in 0.222 ft² 495
6 × 6 in 0.25 ft² 440
6 × 9 in 0.375 ft² 294
12 × 12 in 1 ft² 110
16 × 16 in 1.78 ft² 62

The nominal-size trap

Sizes are often nominal, which means rounded, and the joint between pavers takes up space too, so the area a paver really occupies may differ from the label. If your supplier gives the area one paver occupies including its joint, use that number: the calculator has a field for it that replaces the nominal size.

Pallets

Some pavers are sold by the pallet, and the coverage per pallet depends on the product. For a 20 × 15 ft patio (300 ft², 330 ft² with margin) of 12 × 12 in pavers on pallets that cover 100 square feet, you need 330 pavers, which is 3.3 pallets: order 4. Ask your supplier about partial pallets before you round.

How much margin?

The default 10 percent suits a straight, simple layout. A circle of 15 ft diameter with 4 × 8 in pavers is 176.7 ft². Curves need more cuts, so we assume 15 percent instead of the default: that is 203.2 ft² to cover and 915 pavers, against 835 at 5 percent. The 15 percent is a planning assumption, not a standard. Diagonal and herringbone patterns and many cut edges also call for a larger margin, and it is also wise to keep a few spares for repairs, so order from one batch.

Do not forget the sand

The paver count is only part of the shopping list. The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute's inspection checklist calls for bedding sand screeded to about 1 in thick. For our 10 × 12 ft patio that is 120 ft² × (1 ÷ 12) ft = 10 cubic feet, or 0.37 cubic yards, before any allowance for compaction. The base gravel under the sand depends on your use and soil, and the gravel guide shows how to size it: see how much gravel you need. Edge restraint and joint sand are separate quantities too.

Common mistakes

  • Counting only the pavers. Base, bedding sand, edging and joint sand are separate.
  • Forgetting the cuts. Edges, curves and corners need cut pavers, and cuts waste pieces.
  • Trusting the nominal size. Use the product's area when you have it.
  • Mixing lots. Order everything from one batch when you can.
  • Rounding down on pallets. Round up and ask how partial pallets are handled.

What this guide cannot tell you

  • The right base for your soil, climate and traffic. Ask your supplier or a contractor.
  • Slope, drainage or edge restraint.
  • The price. It varies by supplier and location.

The calculator gives planning estimates, not installation advice. Our assumptions are listed on the methodology page.

Frequently asked questions

How many 6 × 9 in pavers cover 100 square feet?

267 with no margin, because one paver is 0.375 square feet. With a 10 percent margin it is 294.

How much extra should I order for cuts?

Our calculator defaults to 10 percent for a simple straight layout, which is a planning assumption you can change. Diagonal patterns, curves and many cut edges need more.

Do I count the joints between pavers?

The joint adds area to each paver. If your supplier gives the area per paver including the joint, enter it in the calculator instead of the nominal size.

How many pavers are on a pallet?

It depends on the product, so ask your supplier for the coverage per pallet. Divide the area you order by it and round up.

Sources