How this paver calculator works
The calculator divides your patio area by the face area of one paver and adds waste for cuts along the edges. It also returns the two layers under the pavers: 4 inches (10 cm) of compacted crushed gravel base and 1 inch (2.5 cm) of concrete-sand bedding — the standard patio build-up. Driveways carrying vehicles need a thicker 8–12 inch base.
Waste depends on the pattern
A simple running bond in a rectangular area needs about 10%. Herringbone at 45 degrees, circles, and patios with lots of curves push waste to 15% — every edge paver gets cut. Buy from the same production batch and keep the leftovers; paver colors vary between batches just like tile dye lots.
The base does the real work
Paver patios fail from below, not above. Excavate to firm subsoil, compact the gravel in 2 inch lifts with a plate compactor, screed the sand bed flat — and never walk on the screeded sand. Slope the whole build-up about ¼ inch per foot (2%) away from the house for drainage, and finish with polymeric sand swept into the joints.