Whether you’re planning a stunning backyard patio or a simple walkway, one of the first and most important questions you’ll ask is: How to calculate paver stones needed for my project? Estimating correctly helps avoid the frustration of last-minute material runs—or worse, realizing you’re short after the project is complete.
In this post, we’ll walk you through a clear, step-by-step process to calculate how many pavers you need, how to factor in layout and waste, and when it’s smart to talk to an expert. Let’s break it down.
Start with the Area You’re Paving
Before you start counting paving stones or comparing styles, you need to understand the size of the area you’re working with. Grab a tape measure, a notepad, and sketch out the shape of your project space.
For Square or Rectangular Areas
The math here is simple: measure the length and width in feet, then multiply those numbers together to get your total area in square feet.
Example:
A patio that’s 20 feet long by 15 feet wide is:
20 ft × 15 ft = 300 sq ft
For Circular Areas
If you’re installing a round patio or feature, you’ll want to measure the radius—the distance from the center to the edge. Then, use this formula:
Area = 3.14 × radius²
Example:
If your fire pit seating area has a 7 ft radius:
3.14 × 7 × 7 = 153.86 sq ft
For Irregular Shapes
Break up the shape into smaller rectangles, triangles, or circles. Measure and calculate each part separately, then add them together to find your total area.
Figure Out How Much Area Each Paver Covers
Once you’ve got your total square footage, the next step is understanding how much space each individual paver will cover. Every paver has a length and width—usually in inches—so you’ll need to convert that to square feet.
Here’s a quick example:
Paver size: 6″ × 6″
Conversion:
6 inches = 0.5 feet
0.5 ft × 0.5 ft = 0.25 sq ft per paver
Calculate Your Base Quantity
Now divide your total project area by the area each paver covers.
Example:
300 sq ft ÷ 0.25 sq ft per paver = 1,200 pavers
This provides the minimum number of pavers required to cover the space.
Don’t Forget to Add for Waste
Here’s where many DIYers make a critical mistake: not planning for waste.
No matter how carefully you lay your stones, you’ll need to cut some to fit around edges or curves. A few might break. And it’s smart to have a few extra on hand for future repairs or replacements. That’s why we recommend the following rule of thumb:
- Add 10% for straight-lay patterns (like running bond or stack bond)
- Add 15–20% for diagonal, herringbone, or curved layouts
Example with 10% waste:
1,200 pavers × 1.10 = 1,320 pavers
We always suggest rounding up, just in case. It’s better to have extras than to find yourself short in the middle of installation.
One More Step: Round It Off
Suppose you’re ordering by the pallet or square foot. In that case, it’s often best to round your total to the nearest whole bundle or complete layer, especially when working with modular stone systems like our Chateau Moderna® or Arena Stone™.
And remember: if your project includes a soldier course (a border) or inlays, be sure to calculate those areas separately based on the specific paver size and pattern.
Real-World Example
Let’s say you’re installing a classic patio using 6″ × 6″ pavers in a running bond pattern. The patio is 20’ × 15’ and you’re okay with a simple, straight layout.
- Measure Area: 20 ft × 15 ft = 300 sq ft
- Paver Coverage: Each paver covers 0.25 sq ft
- Base Quantity: 300 ÷ 0.25 = 1,200 pavers
- Add 10% Waste: 1,200 × 1.10 = 1,320 pavers
- Round Up for Safety: Order ~1,350 pavers
With that, you’ve got a solid estimate and can move forward with confidence.
Pro Tips from the Western Interlock Team
- Bring your layout sketch when visiting a dealer. Our Sales team can help you fine-tune your estimate on the spot.
- Use our DIY resources. Our DIY with WI library is full of tutorials to help you cut pavers, lay base material, and finish your project strong.
Need Help To Calculate Paver Stones Needed? Get a Custom Quote
Still not sure how many pavers you need? We’ve got you covered.
Our Sales team at Western Interlock has helped thousands of homeowners plan their outdoor spaces. If you need help selecting the right stones, calculating waste, or obtaining pricing information, visit our homepage to request a quote.
We’ll walk you through the process and make sure you have exactly what you need—no guesswork required.
