Patio Calculator
Calculate concrete, pavers, or gravel needed for a patio. Get exact quantities for concrete pads, paver stones, and base material. Includes cost estimates for materials and area calculations.
🧱 Outdoor Living🏗️ Concrete (cu yds) = Length x Width x Thickness / 27
Patio length (ft)
Patio width (ft)
Patio material
Thickness / depth (inches)
Price per unit ($)
Please enter valid values.
Formula & Reference
| Variable | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Patio Calculator | Concrete (cu yds) = Length x Width x Thickness / 27 | concrete or pavers |
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1
16x12 Concrete Patio
16x12 ft, 4-inch concrete slab, $125/cu yd concrete.
- Area = 192 sq ft
- Volume = 192 x (4/12) / 27 = 2.37 cu yds
- Cost = 2.37 x $125 = $296 (concrete only)
- Rebar, forms, labor are additional
✓ 2.37 cu yds concrete, ~$296 materials
Example 2
Paver Patio
20x15 ft paver patio, standard concrete pavers.
- Area = 300 sq ft
- Pavers at 4.5/sq ft x 1.10 waste = 1,485 pavers
- Plus base: 4-in gravel (1.85 cu yd) + 1-in sand screed
✓ 1,485 pavers needed
Example 3
Gravel Patio
12x10 ft gravel area, 4-inch depth.
- Volume = 120 x (4/12) / 27 = 1.48 cu yds
- Add 10-15% for settling = 1.7 cu yds
- Landscape fabric beneath recommended to suppress weeds
✓ 1.7 cu yds gravel
Real-World Applications
Homeowners
Calculate and compare material costs for concrete vs paver patios.
Landscapers
Generate patio material quotes from customer dimensions.
Budget Planning
Know your material quantities before getting contractor bids.
Contractors
Fast patio takeoffs for bid preparation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️
Not including base material for pavers
Pavers sit on a 4-6 inch compacted gravel base plus a 1-inch sand screed layer. Forgetting base material significantly underestimates patio project cost.
⚠️
Skipping the 10% waste factor for pavers
Pavers need 10% extra for cuts at edges and breakage. Order 1,485 pavers for a 300 sq ft patio, not 1,350.
⚠️
Pouring concrete too thin
4 inches is minimum for residential patios. 5-6 inches for driveways. Thinner slabs crack under normal use. Consider fiber reinforcement or rebar for longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Concrete vs pavers for a patio? ▾
Concrete: lower upfront cost, simpler to install, more durable, but cracks over time and is hard to repair invisibly. Pavers: higher material cost, easier to repair, more decorative options, better drainage. Pavers often preferred for long-term value.
How much does a concrete patio cost? ▾
Basic concrete: $6-12 per sq ft installed. Stamped/colored concrete: $12-25 per sq ft. A 16x20 ft patio: $1,920-$8,000 installed depending on finish.
How much does a paver patio cost? ▾
Concrete pavers: $10-20 per sq ft installed. Natural stone: $20-40 per sq ft. A 200 sq ft paver patio: $2,000-$8,000 installed.
Do I need a permit for a patio? ▾
Unattached patios at grade usually don't require permits. Patios attached to the house (decks or elevated), covered patios, and structures in some jurisdictions do. Check with your local building department.
How thick should a concrete patio be? ▾
4 inches minimum for pedestrian patios. 6 inches for driveways. 3 inches is too thin and will crack under normal use. Use 3/8-inch rebar on 18-inch grid or fiber-reinforced concrete for added strength.