Landscaping
Paver Calculator
Count pavers, bedding sand and road base for paths, patios and driveways.
How this calculator works
The calculator divides your area by the footprint of one paver plus its joint gap, then adds 5 percent for cuts and breakages. Edges and curves always need cut pavers, so the allowance matters even on simple layouts.
It also quantifies the layers under the pavers: 30mm of bedding sand and 100mm of compacted road base, converted to tonnes so you can order by weight.
Costs use typical supply-only paver pricing of $30 to $80 per square metre as at July 2026. Laying, edge restraints and base preparation are quoted separately by installers.
| Paver size | Pavers per m² | With 5% cuts |
|---|---|---|
| 230 × 114mm brick | 38 | 40 |
| 300 × 300mm | 11.1 | 12 |
| 400 × 400mm | 6.25 | 7 |
| 500 × 500mm | 4 | 5 |
| 600 × 300mm | 5.5 | 6 |
Counts assume a 3mm joint. Larger joints reduce the count slightly.
| Layer | Depth | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Road base | 100mm compacted | Crushed rock with fines, 1.6t/m³ |
| Bedding sand | 30mm screeded | Coarse washed sand |
| Joint fill | Top up after laying | Dried sand or polymeric sand |
Driveways need 150mm or more of compacted base. These figures suit paths and patios.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need per square metre?
It depends on size: about 40 brick pavers, 12 of the 300 × 300mm, 7 of the 400 × 400mm or 5 of the 500 × 500mm per square metre once you include a 5 percent cutting allowance.
What goes under pavers?
A compacted road base layer of about 100mm, then 30mm of screeded bedding sand. Skipping or thinning the base is the main reason paving sinks and rocks over time.
How much sand do I need under pavers?
Multiply your area by 0.03 for a 30mm bed. For example 20 square metres needs 0.6 cubic metres of coarse washed sand.
Can I lay pavers straight onto soil or sand?
Not if you want them to stay flat. Without a compacted road base, pavers settle unevenly within a season or two. The only exception is stepping stones set individually into a lawn.
How much do pavers cost in Australia?
Common concrete pavers run $30 to $80 per square metre supply only as at July 2026. Clay and natural stone cost more. Professional laying typically adds $60 to $120 per square metre including base preparation.
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