How to determine the number of pavers required

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Step 1: Measure the Total Area

3. Step 2: Choose Your Paver Type

4. Step 3: Calculate the Total Pavers Needed

5. Summary of Steps

6. Frequently Asked Question

1. Introduction

In this this post I going to share with you how you can accurately determine the number of pavers required you need to lay in your compound

Whether you want to create a stylish walkway, enhance your driveway, or build a stunning paver patio, the first step is to know exactly how many pavers you need because getting this estimate right saves you money, prevents wastage, and ensures your project runs smoothly from start to finish.

That's why, in this guide, I will walk you through a simple, experience-tested method to calculate the number of pavers required for any compound area.

Step 1: Measure the Total Area in Square Meters

The first step is to accurately measure the area where you want to lay the pavers in square feet or square metres .

A square metre is a unit of area defined by a square shape that is 1 metre on each side. For example, if your compound measures 5 metres in length and 2 metres in width, the total area is:

• 5 m × 2 m = 10 square meters

Similarly, a compound measuring 40 metres by 2 metres would cover:

• 40 m × 2 m = 80 square meters

When dealing with larger or irregular areas, it’s best to break down the compound into smaller, manageable sections of trigonometrical shapes such as rectangles, circles, triangles, among others

For example, if your compound wraps around your house, divide it into distinct portions, measure each separately, then add them together for the total area.

Here’s an example breakdown of a compound divided into three parts:

• First portion: 15 m (length) × 2 m (width) = 30 square meters

• Second portion: 26 m × 2 m = 52 square metres

• Third portion: 15 m × 2 m = 30 square metres

• First portion: 26m x 2m = 52 square metres

Adding these areas gives:

30 + 52 + 30 + 52 = 164 square meters

Always measure all areas and include areas around manholes or other features to ensure no gaps in coverage.

Also be sure to add extra material to cover breakages when laying the pavers

Step 2: Select Your Paver Type and Design Pattern

Choose the style and shape of your pavers to impact the number of pieces needed per square metre. Different paver designs vary in size and coverage, so knowing your paver type is essential for accurate calculation.

How many pavers are in 1 square metre?

For example, rectangular pavers typically require about 50 pieces per square meter, while kite-shaped pavers might need only about 30 pieces per square meter due to their larger size, among others

Step 3: Determine the total number of pavers required

Using the earlier example of a 164-square-metre compound and opting for rectangular pavers, the calculation for the pavers needed would be:

• 164 square meters × 50 pavers per square meter = 8,200 pavers

To be safe, add about 10% extra for breakages and wastage:

• 8200 × 10% = 820 pavers

Total rectangular pavers needed:

• 8200 + 820 = 9020 rectangular pavers

Always be sure to add rectangular pavers around the edges of manholes. Using rectangular pavers around edges and manholes not only enhances design but also helps in structural stability

Summary: 3 Easy Steps to Calculate Pavers Needed

1. Measure the total area: break your compound into sections, measure length and width in metres, then calculate the total square metres.

2. Choose your paver design: Different paver shapes require different quantities per square metre (e.g., kite-shaped = 30 pavers/m², rectangular = 50 pavers/m²).

3. Multiply the number of square metres you have by the number of pavers in one square metre.