Calculate the area
Example: a 6 m × 4 m rectangle is 24 m². With a 200 × 100 mm paver, 24 ÷ 0.02 = 1,200 pavers before the selected 10% cutting and breakage allowance, or a face-area estimate of 1,320 pavers including waste.
Free South African paving calculator
Paving calculator.
Plan every layer.
Estimate paver quantities, cutting waste, bedding sand, loose base course and an indicative project allowance for a patio, path or driveway.
Start calculating ↓m²Pavers · base · sand
01Pavers plus cutting waste
02Bedding and jointing sand
03Loose base-course volume
04Optional cost allowance
01
Paving quantities
Measure before you order
For 200 × 100 mm paving bricks, the basic face-area count is 50 per m² before joints, cutting and breakages. Enter your actual paver dimensions and site measurements below.
How many paving bricks per square metre?
Use this face-area table as a starting estimate. These numbers exclude joints, cutting and breakages; a supplier’s specified installed coverage and pack size take precedence.
| Paver face dimensions (mm) | Mathematical pavers per m², before joints and waste |
|---|---|
| 200 × 100 | 50 |
| 220 × 110 | approximately 41.3 |
| 200 × 200 | 25 |
| 300 × 300 | approximately 11.1 |
| 400 × 400 | 6.25 |
The face dimensions, not the thickness, set this mathematical coverage. Thickness and strength still matter for the intended load. Patterns, spacing, corners, curves and offcuts change quantities; confirm the exact product’s stated coverage before ordering. For a worked 24 m² example, see ‘Calculate the area’ below.
Turn the estimate into a supplier order
Use the exact product’s stated pavers per m² when it differs from this face-area estimate. For example, Corobrik lists its 200 × 100 mm Corolock 60 mm paver at 49 per m², excluding cutting and waste. That product is listed for KwaZulu-Natal; it is an example, not a nationwide availability or suitability recommendation.
For 24 m² at that stated coverage with a 10% allowance: 24 × 49 × 1.10 = 1,293.6, rounded up to 1,294 pavers. The calculator’s face-area example gives 1,320 instead. Confirm current coverage and the appropriate cutting allowance with your supplier before ordering; this calculator does not substitute supplier coverage or pack sizes automatically.
The result above already includes your selected waste allowance: do not add it a second time. If a supplier sells only full packs, divide your final required count by the confirmed units per pack, then round up to whole packs. Ask whether split packs are available and check delivery charges and return terms. Pack-rounding surplus is separate from the cutting allowance.
02
The method
How the estimate works
Each output shows its assumptions so you can replace defaults with the dimensions, pack sizes and rates available to you.
Count actual units
The area is divided by one paver's face area, then the selected cutting and breakage allowance is added.
Build the layers
Bedding and base-course volumes use your chosen depths. Loose base includes a 15% compaction allowance.
Confirm the site
CMA guidance calls for drainage checks, a prepared base and edge restraints. Read the drainage and falls guide before finalising the layout.
Important boundary
A paver count is not a pavement design.
Expansive soil, vehicle loads, falls, underground services, drainage and compaction can change the required excavation and base construction.
See all calculators →Real questions
Questions homeowners ask
How many 200 × 100 mm pavers are needed per square metre?+
The clean mathematical count is 50 pavers per m² before joints and waste. Order from the supplier's stated coverage and include cutting and breakage.
How much extra paving should I order?+
The Concrete Manufacturers Association advises adding 10% for cutting and wastage. Complex curves or diagonal patterns may need a larger allowance.
How do I convert paving quantities to packs or pallets?+
First confirm the product’s installed coverage and add cutting waste once. Divide that final unit count by the supplier’s confirmed units per pack, rounding up only if full packs are required. Pack sizes vary; this calculator does not calculate pallets. Do not add another waste allowance to the calculator result.
How much bedding sand is needed?+
CMA guidance uses about 2.5 m³ per 100 m², equivalent to a 25 mm uncompacted layer. Confirm the specification for your system.
Can I lay pavers without edge restraints?+
No. Edge restraints prevent the paved field from spreading and losing interlock; existing walls may act as restraints where suitable.