Walkway Calculator
Plan a garden path from start to finish. Enter the length and width, choose your paver size, and get the number of pavers plus the gravel base and sand under them.
| Detail | Result |
|---|---|
| Bedding sand | 0.28 cu yd |
| Edge restraint | 60 ft |
See more of Backyard Calculators on Google
Add us as a preferred source to see our calculators and guides more often in Google Top Stories.
Was this calculator helpful?
How Walkway Calculator Works
Four quick steps happen behind the screen every time you change a number.
Measures the path area
Length times width gives the surface the pavers must cover.
Works out the paver face
Paver length times width, in inches, is divided by 144 to give square feet per paver.
Divides and adds cuts
Path area is divided by one paver, then a percentage is added for cuts and breakage.
Sizes the layers below
Base and sand depth turn the same area into cubic yards of gravel and bedding sand.
How to Use Walkway Calculator
Five quick steps take you from a tape measure to a usable result.
- Measure the pathLay a hose along the route to find the length and use a tape for the width.
- Enter your paver sizeCheck the label on the paver. A 12 by 12 inch paver is common for paths.
- Set the base and sand depthFour inches of gravel and one inch of sand suit most garden paths.
- Allow for cutsTen percent covers curves and edge pieces. Use 15 percent for a pattern with many cuts.
- Order pavers, base and sandThe results give you each material, plus the feet of edge restraint for both sides.
Formula Used in Walkway Calculator
These are the standard formulas behind every result, so you can check the numbers yourself.
Pavers
pl and pw are paver length and width in inches.
Gravel base
The result is in cubic yards.
Edge restraint
Both sides of the path need an edge.
Worked example
A path of 30 ft by 3 ft covers 90 square feet. A 12 by 12 inch paver covers 1 square foot, so 90 pavers plus 10 percent gives 99. The 4 inch base needs 1.11 cubic yards and the sand needs 0.28.
Pavers per Square Foot Chart
How many pavers cover one square foot, and how many cover a 90 square foot path.
| Paver size | Pavers per sq ft | Pavers for 90 sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 6 × 6 in | 4 | 360 |
| 6 × 9 in | 2.67 | 240 |
| 12 × 12 in | 1 | 90 |
| 12 × 24 in | 0.5 | 45 |
| 16 × 16 in | 0.56 | 51 |
| 24 × 24 in | 0.25 | 23 |
Figures are before any allowance for cuts.
Walkway Materials by Length
Materials for a 3 ft wide path with 12 by 12 inch pavers, a 4 inch base and 1 inch of sand.
| Size | Pavers | Gravel, cu yd | Sand, cu yd |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft path | 33 | 0.37 | 0.09 |
| 20 ft path | 66 | 0.74 | 0.19 |
| 30 ft path | 99 | 1.11 | 0.28 |
| 40 ft path | 132 | 1.48 | 0.37 |
| 50 ft path | 165 | 1.85 | 0.46 |
| 75 ft path | 248 | 2.78 | 0.69 |
Includes 10 percent extra pavers for cuts.
Common Walkway Mistakes
Four slips that throw off the result, and how to avoid them.
Skipping the base
Pavers laid on soil shift and sink. A compacted gravel base keeps the path flat for years.
Measuring a straight line only
A curved path is longer than the straight distance. Follow the route with a hose or string.
Ignoring edge restraint
Without edging, the outer pavers drift apart. Buy restraint for both sides of the path.
Forgetting the cuts
Curves and corners waste pavers. Add at least ten percent to the count.
Tools You Must Know
One number is rarely enough for a yard project. These calculators pair well with this one.
Walkway Calculator FAQs
Quick answers before you order materials.
How many pavers do I need for a walkway?
Divide the path area by the area of one paver, then add about 10 percent for cuts. The calculator does it for you.
How deep should the base be for a paver walkway?
Four inches of compacted gravel is enough for foot traffic. Use 6 inches or more where the ground is soft.
How much sand goes under pavers?
A bed of about one inch of coarse sand is standard. Thicker sand can make pavers uneven.
What width should a garden path be?
Three feet suits one person comfortably. Four feet lets two people walk side by side.
Do I need edge restraint?
Yes. Edging locks the outer pavers in place and stops the path from spreading.
Is the Walkway Calculator free?
Yes. It is free to use with feet and inches or metres and centimetres.
Browse Our Categories
Explore every calculator by project type, from decks and fences to pools and gardens.