How this paver calculator works
Three separate calculations in one tool:
- Paver count: total area ÷ paver area, plus 5% waste for cuts and breakages. More for complex patterns.
- Road base (aggregate): area × depth × density. 100 mm for paths and patios, 150 mm for driveways.
- Bedding sand: area × 30 mm × density of paving sand (1.6 t/m³).
AU industry rule of thumb: 1 m² of paving needs ~0.17 tonnes of road base and ~0.05 tonnes of bedding sand. This calculator uses those factors with your specific area.
Standard AU paver sizes
Common sizes you'll see at Bunnings, Adbri Masonry or any local landscape yard:
- 230 × 115 mm — classic brick paver, traditional look, lots of cutting on straight paths.
- 300 × 300 mm — the suburban Aussie default. Affordable, easy to lay, hides small surface imperfections.
- 400 × 400 mm — larger format, fewer joints, more contemporary look.
- 500 × 500 mm, 600 × 600 mm — slab formats, feel-good modern. Heavier to lift, more cutting waste on curves.
- 600 × 300 mm — plank pavers, popular for driveways and long paths. Laid in staggered pattern.
The three-layer build-up (very important)
Do not lay pavers on dirt. Every properly-installed paved surface has three layers:
- Road base: compacted aggregate (crusher dust / DGB / road base). 100 mm for patios, 150 mm for driveways. This is the structural layer.
- Bedding sand: 30 mm of washed paving sand (not brickies sand, not play sand). This layer lets you level individual pavers.
- Pavers with polymeric sand or fine sand swept into the joints.
Skip the road base and you get a patio that sinks, waves and heaves within 18 months. The base is 60-70% of the total work for a reason.
Wastage margins
We use 5% for standard rectangular areas with stretcher bond. If you're doing any of these, add more:
- Herringbone / complex patterns: 10-15%
- Circular or curved edges: 15-20%
- Large format pavers (600×600+) on a small area: 10%
For jobs over 100 m² you can drop to 2-3% waste — the law of averages smooths out the cutting losses.
Paver calculator — frequently asked questions
How do I calculate how many pavers I need?
Divide the total area in square metres by the area of one paver (length × width in metres). For a 400 mm × 400 mm paver, each one covers 0.16 m². A 20 m² patio needs 20 ÷ 0.16 = 125 pavers. The calculator does this automatically and adds a 10% waste allowance for cuts.
How much sand do I need under pavers?
A 30–50 mm bedding sand layer is standard under most residential pavers in Australia. For a 20 m² area at 40 mm depth, that's 0.8 m³ of coarse bedding sand. The calculator includes the sand estimate alongside the paver count.
What type of sand should I use under pavers?
Coarse washed river sand or manufactured sand — not fine beach sand or brickies sand. Coarse sand drains freely and doesn't compact under pavers the same way fine sand does. In Queensland, most landscape suppliers stock suitable bedding sand as "paving sand" or "coarse sand."
Do I need road base under pavers?
Yes for driveways and heavy-traffic areas — 100 mm of compacted road base under the sand layer is standard. For pedestrian areas like garden paths and patios, 50–75 mm of compacted road base is generally sufficient on stable ground.
What are standard paver sizes in Australia?
Common sizes are 400 × 400 mm, 600 × 300 mm, 600 × 600 mm, and 230 × 115 mm (standard brick paver). Larger format pavers (600 × 900 mm and above) are popular for contemporary outdoor areas. The calculator covers all standard sizes — just enter your paver dimensions manually if yours aren't listed.
How much does paving cost in Australia?
Concrete pavers start at around $25–$50 per m² for standard styles. Natural stone like bluestone or sandstone ranges from $80–$200+ per m². Laying costs add $40–$80 per m² for a professional job, depending on complexity and your location in Australia.