What this calculator is really solving
The first step is simple area division: project area divided by one paver's face area. The practical problem is harder because edge cuts, pattern choice and packaging affect the quantity you actually buy. AmountHub keeps the theoretical count visible, then lets you plan the final order separately.
Worked example
A 5 m × 4 m patio covers 20 m². A 20 cm × 10 cm paver covers 0.02 m², so the theoretical count is 1,000 pavers. With 10% waste, the estimate becomes 1,100 pavers.
Pattern choice changes cutting waste
| Layout | Cutting tendency | Planning effect |
|---|---|---|
| Straight grid | Mostly edge cuts | Usually lower waste. |
| Running bond | Regular staggered cuts | Moderate waste. |
| Diagonal | Triangular edge cuts | Higher waste. |
| Curved / irregular | Many custom cuts | Often highest uncertainty. |
The planning options provide suggested starting points, not installation rules.
Pack coverage can be better than individual count
Mixed-size paving systems are often sold as complete packs that cover a stated area. In that case, compare the waste-adjusted project area with the manufacturer’s pack coverage rather than trying to count every individual size. The unit calculator is best for one repeated paver size.
Do not mix the paving units with the base
The paver count covers only the visible units. Bedding sand, compacted aggregate base, jointing material and edge restraints are separate quantities. Use the Sand and Gravel calculators for those layers so the excavation depth is not accidentally treated as one material.
Before ordering pavers
- Confirm actual paver dimensions and joint detail.
- Choose waste based on layout and edge complexity.
- Use manufacturer pack coverage for mixed-size systems.
- Schedule border courses separately if they use another unit.
- Keep spare pavers when batch matching may matter later.