Block Paving Calculator — How Many Blocks Do I Need?
Calculate block paving quantities for driveways and patios. Includes herringbone, stretcher bond and basketweave patterns.
Length of area to pave
Width of area to pave
Adds 10% on top of pattern waste
Added to pattern wastage (shown above)
150mm for driveways, 100mm for patios
Sharp sand laying course + kiln-dried jointing sand
Edge restraint around perimeter
Price per individual block paver
How We Calculate This
Our block paving calculator works out the number of blocks, sub-base materials, sand, and edging needed for your driveway or patio. It accounts for the extra wastage generated by different laying patterns.
The formula
Blocks = Area × Blocks per m² × (1 + Pattern waste% + Extra waste%)
Sub-base = Area × Depth × 2,100 kg/m³ (compacted Type 1)
Sharp sand = Area × 0.035m × 1,600 kg/m³
Kiln-dried sand = Area × 5 kg/m²
Pattern wastage rates
- Herringbone 90°: 5% pattern waste (fewer edge cuts)
- Herringbone 45°: 10% pattern waste (most edge cuts)
- Stretcher bond: 3% pattern waste (minimal cuts)
- Basketweave: 5% pattern waste
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026
All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.