Paver Calculator is one thing that you need when calculating how many pavers is necessary for your backyard or any other outdoor patio project. It uses your patio size and dimensions values and gives an accurate number of needed pavers. Also, the paver calculator can estimate your costs for needed material. So, for example, if you want to know how much it costs to pave a driveway, you can use this calculator to find the estimated cost.
This calculator makes your project simpler. Likewise, if you want to upgrade your home construction project, check our other calculators, such as Retaining Wall Calculator or Board Foot Calculator. Also, there are other tools for your Vinyl Fence and Viniyl Siding, if you need it for your decorations and projects. Gravel Driveway Calculator is another useful tool at your service.
Take a look other related calculators, such as:
What is a Paver?
The paver is a flat construction block made of different materials and is used to construct and cover exterior floors. Those flat constructions can be made of bricks, stone, wood, or concrete. In particular, they are used for flooring gardens, backyards, front yards, patios, or other walkways around your home or other objects. Consequently, pavers are common in every home, and it is important to understand them better for further usage.
Paver Sizes – Table
Paver can come in different materials, designs and shapes, and sizes. Its common sizes depend on the material, but it can also be adjustable to fit your project. To explain, you can cut pavers and make different patterns and shapes. Still, this table shows common shapes and sizes.
| Paver size (cm) | Paver size (in) | Paver area (cm2) | Paver area (in2) |
| 10 x 20 | 4 x 8 | 200 | 0.22 |
| 15 x 15 | 6 x 6 | 225 | 0.25 |
| 20 x 20 | 8 x 8 | 400 | 0.44 |
| 30 x 30 | 12 x 12 | 900 | 1.00 |
| 36 x 36 | 14 x 14 | 1296 | 1.36 |
Paver Patterns – Common Types
As noted, the paver can come in different materials and shapes. It gives the possibility to have many different patterns that can fit all styles and needs. Also, there are different laying and arranging patterns that change the look of your patio. However, there are a few common types that are mostly used.
Herringbone paver pattern is a durable and classic design alternating V-shape. Next, stack bond paver pattern is a simple design with a strong visual look, joining all pavers in a straight line. Similarly, the Diamond paver pattern design uses the same bricks as stack bond, but it aligns them to create diamond shapes.
One of the most popular types is the basket weave paver pattern. It uses pavers in vertical and horizontal lines and presents basket weaving. Pavers should be the same size, but different colors can make a difference to the patio. The running bond paver pattern is another common and classic type that uses the same sized bricks, but they are connected in half offset. Furthermore, the circular paver pattern uses bricks to create big circles, starting with a center.
Paver Calculator Formula
The paver calculator uses given dimensions and first calculates the area of the shape you want to cover with pavers:
A_s = l \cdot wThen, it calculates the size of a given paver using the same formula for the area:
A_p = l \cdot wLater, it calculates how many pavers can fit into the preferred unit squared. For instance, if we use square meter, we find the number of pavers needed to fit in meter square over this formula:
P_m= 100 \div A_p .
Number 100 is used since there is 100 centimeters in one meter, P_m is used for pavers per meter square, and A_p stands for a single paver size (area).
Finally, this calculator uses the last calculated number and multiplies it by the shape area. This formula is used to find the total number of pavers needed to finish the project.
P_t=P_m \cdot A_sAlso, the calculator finds the cost for needed pavers. The formula for total cost is:
Cost_t = Price_p \cdot P_tPaver Calculator – How to Use?
First, you select the shape of your field to calculate the area. The ideal shape is a rectangle. If the shape is not a rectangle, it is divided into identical rectangles to find separate areas and then the total.
After selecting the shape, you should enter the given values (length, width), which gives you the area in preferred units (meters, inches, yards).
After that, the tool asks for values of width and length of a paver brick to calculate the size. Then, it finds how many pavers are needed per square unit and the total number of needed pavers with size and shape area.
Furthermore, if you enter the price of one brick and how much it costs to install it, you can get the full cost of pavers. Thus, you can easily get the total expenses of your project.
Paver Calculator – Example
We have a shape area that is not a rectangle but we can divide it into three identical rectangles. The width is 15 meters, and the length is 20 meters. We need to find the area of this rectangle and then add three areas together.
We apply this formula A_s = l \cdot w, and multiply it by the number of rectangles. Thus, the area of this shape is A_s = 900 m^2
Next, we have to find the area of a paver. The width is 10 cm, and the length is 20 cm.
Over this formula A_p = l \cdot w, we get that A_p = 200 cm^2.
Later, it calculates how many pavers can fit into the preferred unit squared. For instance, if we use square meter, we find the number of pavers needed to fit in meter square over this formula: P_m= 100 \div 200 cm^2. Therefore, we get that the P_m= 50 pavers per square meter.
Again, we apply a formula for area to find how many pavers we need to cover the entire patio. P_t=P_m \cdot A_s is the formula, and we get that P_t=50 \cdot 900 m^2. It means that we need a total of 45000 pavers for this project.
Paver Calculator – Real-world Applications
There is a rectangular-shaped walkway in the backyard where we want to install a paver walkway. The walkway is 10 meters long and 2 meters wide. With the rectangle area formula, we know that the shape area is 20 m. Given pavers are the same size, 5 cm wide and 15 cm long. Area is 75 cm^2.
Next, depending on the selected pattern, brick size, and shape area, we get the number of pavers per square meter. With P_m= 100 \div A_p, we get that the P_m= 133,33. With that, we calculate the total number of needed pavers, and get that P_t=2667.
Before applying pavers to the area, we need to have a solid base to support a patio for a long time. The base is usually mixed with sand and gravel, and often crushed stone is used.
FAQ
How to Estimate the Cost of a Paver Patio?
First, you need to know the size of a patio and paver, and then the cost of one. Then, using our tool, you find the total number of needed pavers and multiply it by the price of one. Also, for a stronger patio, you need to make a solid base with a mix of sand and gravel or crushed stone. That can affect the cost of a paver patio.
How to Estimate Pavers When Using a Pattern?
Pavers can be arranged in different patterns depending on personal preferences. After you choose one pattern, you need to calculate the shape area, the brick size, and the area of that pattern. Later, with that calculation, you can estimate how many times that pattern will repeat to cover the entire patio. Due to mostly rectangular-shaped patterns, the calculation is simple.
How much does a 20×20 paver patio cost?
Prices of paver depend on material, size, and thickness. For example, the average 20×20 feet square brick paver patio costs $3500 to $7000, but the final costs may go to $10000. Moreover, the final cost depends on the size of a patio, selected material and size, and wages of constructors.
Is it cheaper to lay concrete or pavers?
According to constructor workers’ experience, it is cheaper to lay concrete. However, concrete has its downsides. It has a shorter lifespan and can crack quickly after the project is finished. On the other hand, pavers are more expensive, and installation costs are higher. At the same time, pavers are more durable, visually attractive, and safer on rainy days around your home. Thus, pavers are better choice.
