Answer · Pavers

How many pavers do I need? Coverage by size and pattern

Updated April 26, 2026

Quick answer

Pavers per square foot: 4 for 6×6 in, 2.25 for 8×8 in, 1 for 12×12 in, 0.56 for 16×16 in, 0.25 for 24×24 in. Always add 10% waste for square layouts and 15% for diagonals or curves. Always order from one production batch, colors vary between runs.

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Pavers per square foot, quick reference

Number of pavers per 1 square foot of patio (no waste added)

Paver size	Per sqft	Per 100 sqft	Per 200 sqft
4 × 8 in (brick)	4.5	450	900
6 × 6 in	4	400	800
6 × 9 in	2.67	267	534
8 × 8 in	2.25	225	450
8 × 16 in	1.13	113	226
12 × 12 in	1	100	200
12 × 24 in	0.5	50	100
16 × 16 in	0.56	56	112
18 × 18 in	0.44	44	88
24 × 24 in	0.25	25	50

Add waste for cuts and breakage

Recommended waste factor by pattern

Pattern	Waste %	Why
Running bond (offset)	5–8%	Minimal cuts, just at edges
Stack bond (square)	5–10%	Edge cuts only
Herringbone (45° or 90°)	10–15%	Lots of edge cuts
Basketweave	8–12%	Some edge cuts
Curved or rounded edges	15–20%	Lots of waste from cuts
Random (multi-size)	12–15%	Pattern lock-up
Driveway with fan/circle	20%	Mitered cuts, focal point waste

Formula

Total pavers needed

pavers = ceil( area_sqft × pavers_per_sqft × (1 + waste%) )

Example: 200 sqft patio with 12×12 pavers in herringbone
= ceil( 200 × 1 × 1.15 )
= 230 pavers

Buy from one production run if possible, color and texture vary slightly between batches. If you have to buy more later, it'll usually look like a repair patch.

Worked example

240 sqft L-shaped patio with 12×12 pavers, running bond

Standard backyard patio shape with one inside corner.

1. Field area240 sqft
2. Pavers per sqft (12×12)1.0
3. Raw count = 240 × 1.0240
4. + 10% waste (running bond)264

→ Order 264 pavers, round up to the nearest pallet (typically 280).

Worked example

Same patio, herringbone with 6×9 pavers

Same area, more dramatic pattern with diagonal layout.

1. Pavers per sqft (6×9)2.67
2. Raw count = 240 × 2.67640
3. + 15% waste (herringbone)736
4. Soldier course (60 ft perim x 1.78/ft)+107 pavers

→ 843 pavers + soldier course, 4× the count of 12×12.

Bigger pavers = faster install, more cuts

24×24 pavers cover 4× the area per piece compared to 12×12, but you can't trim them with a hand saw. Plan on a wet saw or borrow one from the rental yard ($60/day). Smaller pavers (6×6, 4×8 brick) install slowly but forgive layout mistakes and are easier to replace if one cracks.

Install time per 100 sqft (single person, prepped base)

Paver size	Install time	Best for
4×8 brick (running bond)	8–10 hr	Walkways, small patios, edging
6×6 / 6×9	5–7 hr	Random patterns, decorative looks
8×8 / 8×16	4–5 hr	Mid-size patios, blended sets
12×12	3–4 hr	Most residential patios
16×16 / 18×18	2–3 hr (with wet saw)	Modern flat patios
24×24	1.5–2 hr (heavy + wet saw)	Modern, large open areas

Border + soldier course

Most patios use a soldier course, a single row of pavers running perpendicular around the perimeter. It cleans up the edges, hides cuts in the field, and reduces the number of cuts overall. Calculate the soldier course separately: perimeter (ft) × pavers per linear foot. Example: 60 ft perimeter with 4×8 brick laid long-side-out = 60 × 1.5 = 90 pavers.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

✗ Ordering exact count with no waste factor.

Fix: Always add 10% (square patterns) or 15% (diagonals/curves). Pavers crack during install, edges need cuts, and color-matched returns are usually impossible.

✗ Mixing pavers from different production batches.

Fix: Buy your full count plus waste in one order. Pavers from different runs vary in color enough to look like a repair patch.

✗ Not planning for the soldier course in the count.

Fix: Calculate field + soldier course separately. A 200 sqft patio with a 4×8 soldier course needs ~90 extra pavers around the perimeter.

✗ Picking a paver size that requires lots of cuts on a curved patio.

Fix: On curves, smaller pavers cut better. Use 4×8 or 6×6 on rounded edges; save 24×24 for square or rectangular layouts.

→ Run pavers + base + sand for any pattern

Frequently asked questions

How many 12×12 pavers for a 100 sqft patio?

100 pavers raw + 10% waste = 110 pavers. Add 15% (115) if you're using a herringbone or curved layout.

How many pavers in a 200 sqft patio?

Depends on size: 450 of 8×8, 200 of 12×12, 88 of 18×18, or 50 of 24×24, before waste. Add 10% standard, 15% for diagonals.

What size paver is best for a patio?

12×12 and 16×16 are the most common, easy to handle, fewer cuts than small pavers, more flexible than slabs. 24×24 reads modern but needs perfect base prep.

How much extra should I order?

10% for square patterns with straight edges. 15% for herringbone or curves. 20% if the patio has rounded corners or tree wells.

How many 4×8 brick pavers per square foot?

4.5 brick pavers per square foot. A 100 sqft patio needs 450 brick + 10% = 495 pavers.

How many pavers come on a pallet?

Varies by size and supplier. Typical pallets: 12×12 = 75–100 pavers; 6×9 = 250–300; 4×8 brick = 480–600. Always confirm with your supplier before ordering.

How many pavers do I need? Coverage by size and pattern

Pavers per square foot, quick reference

Add waste for cuts and breakage

Total pavers needed

240 sqft L-shaped patio with 12×12 pavers, running bond

Same patio, herringbone with 6×9 pavers

Bigger pavers = faster install, more cuts

Border + soldier course

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Frequently asked questions

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