Paver and Paver Base Calculator
Multiply the area by the pavers per square foot, then add a little for cuts. A 10 × 12 ft patio of Holland 4 × 8 pavers takes 588 pavers with 5% extra, on 2.3 to 2.4 tons of paver base and 20 bags of sand.
Updated October 15, 2026 · How we calculate
Worked example
A 10 × 12 ft patio, Holland 4 × 8 pavers, 4 inches of base, 5% extra pavers:
- Area: 10 × 12 = 120 square feet
- Pavers: 120 × 4.66 × 1.05 = 587.2, so 588
- Base, compacted: 120 × 4 ÷ 12 = 40 cu ft = 1.48 cu yd
- Loose base to order: × 1.27 to 1.333 = 1.88 to 1.97 cu yd, weighing 2.27 to 2.44 tons
- Sand: 120 × 1 ÷ 12 = 10 cu ft = 20 bags of 50 lb
Source: Pavestone Holland 60 mm spec sheet; ICPI Tech Spec 2 (rev. Feb 2020); Missouri DOT, Highway Maintenance Tables and Conversion Factors; Penn State Center for Dirt & Gravel Roads, DSA Tech Bulletin (2025)
How to choose and how deep
The three layers
From the bottom up: compacted crushed stone base, about 1 inch of bedding sand, then the pavers. The base carries the load, so it is the layer not to skimp on: at least 4 inches compacted for a patio or walk and 6 inches for a driveway.
Source: ICPI Tech Spec 2 (rev. Feb 2020)
Order more base than the depth
Crushed stone shrinks when it is compacted. Published figures put loose stone at 1.27 to 1.33 times its compacted volume, so the calculator tells you how much loose stone to order to finish at your depth.
Source: Missouri DOT, Highway Maintenance Tables and Conversion Factors; Penn State Center for Dirt & Gravel Roads, DSA Tech Bulletin (2025)
Use the real paver size
Paver names are rounded. A “4 × 8” Holland paver is actually 100 × 200 mm, which is 3.94 × 7.87 inches. Use the pallet label's pavers per square foot if it has one; otherwise enter the actual size and joint width.
Source: Pavestone Holland 60 mm spec sheet; ICPI Tech Spec 2 (rev. Feb 2020)
Quick reference
| Layer | Depth | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Base, patio or walk | 4 in compacted (minimum) | ICPI Tech Spec 2 (rev. Feb 2020) |
| Base, driveway | 6 in compacted (minimum) | ICPI Tech Spec 2 (rev. Feb 2020) |
| Bedding sand | 1 in, uncompacted | ICPI Tech Spec 2 (rev. Feb 2020) |
| Joints | 1/16 to 3/16 in | ICPI Tech Spec 2 (rev. Feb 2020) |
Questions people ask
How much paver base do I need?
Square feet × base depth in inches ÷ 324 gives the compacted cubic yards; order about 1.27 to 1.33 times that in loose stone. A 10 × 12 ft patio with 4 inches of base needs 1.88 to 1.97 cubic yards, 2.3 to 2.4 tons.
Source: ICPI Tech Spec 2 (rev. Feb 2020); Missouri DOT, Highway Maintenance Tables and Conversion Factors; Penn State Center for Dirt & Gravel Roads, DSA Tech Bulletin (2025)
How many pavers are in a square foot?
It depends on the paver. Holland 4 × 8 pavers work out to 4.66 per square foot from the manufacturer's pallet figures (480 pavers cover 103 square feet). For other pavers, use the pallet label or the actual size.
Source: Pavestone Holland 60 mm spec sheet
How deep should the base be under pavers?
At least 4 inches of compacted base for a patio or walk and at least 6 inches for a driveway, on well-drained soil. Add 2 to 4 inches in cold climates or on wet or weak soil.
Source: ICPI Tech Spec 2 (rev. Feb 2020)
How much sand goes under pavers?
A bedding layer about 1 inch thick, screeded flat and left uncompacted until the pavers are laid.
Source: ICPI Tech Spec 2 (rev. Feb 2020)
How wide should the joints between pavers be?
Between 1/16 and 3/16 inch.
Source: ICPI Tech Spec 2 (rev. Feb 2020)