One of the most common questions homeowners ask before starting a landscaping project is “How much paving do I need?”

Getting the calculation right helps avoid delays, wasted materials and unnecessary costs.

Step 1: Measure Your Area

Measure the:

• Length
• Width

For rectangular patios:

Length × Width = Total Area (m²)

Example:

6m × 4m = 24m²

Step 2: Allow for Cuts and Wastage

We recommend ordering an additional:

• 10% for simple patios
• 15% for complex designs or multiple cuts

Example:

24m² patio + 10% = 26.4m² required

Step 3: Consider Borders

If you’re adding:

• Cobbles
• Setts
• Decorative borders

Measure these separately.

Common Patio Sizes

Need Help?

Our team can help calculate exactly how much paving you’ll need for your project, ensuring you order the correct quantity first time.

Our team can also convert measurements that you may have- if it is linear we can give you an accurate measurement conversion  in pieces or square meters.

What Is a Linear Metre?

A linear metre simply means one metre in a straight line.

Unlike square metres (m²), which measure an area, linear metres measure length.

For example:

• Edging a driveway
• Bordering a lawn
• Creating a path edge
• Defining flower beds

These are all usually measured in linear metres.

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How Many Cobbles Are Needed Per Linear Metre?

The calculation is straightforward.

Take the length of the cobble (including your joint if required) and divide it into 1,000mm.

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150 x 150mm Cobbles

Each cobble measures:

150mm long

1000 ÷ 150 = 6.67

You’ll therefore need approximately:

7 cobbles per linear metre

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Example

A driveway requiring 18 metres of edging:

18 × 7 = 126 cobbles

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200 x 100mm Cobbles

If laying with the 200mm length running along the border:

1000 ÷ 200 = 5

You’ll need approximately:

5 cobbles per linear metre

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Example

24 metres of edging

24 × 5 = 120 cobbles

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300 x 150mm Cobbles

With the 300mm edge running along the line:

1000 ÷ 300 = 3.33

Round up to allow for cuts.

You’ll require approximately:

4 cobbles per linear metre

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Example

30 metres of edging

30 × 4 = 120 cobbles

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Quick Reference Guide

Figures are rounded up and assume standard joint widths.

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Don’t Forget Your Joint Width

If you’re laying natural stone cobbles, you’ll usually leave a joint between each piece.

Typical joint widths are:

• 8–10mm for sawn cobbles
• 10–20mm for hand-cut cobbles
• Wider joints for rustic installations

Adding joint width slightly changes the number required, so it’s always worth allowing a few extra cobbles for cuts, waste and future repairs.

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Ordering the Right Amount

We always recommend ordering 5–10% extra.

This allows for:

• Cuts around corners
• Breakages
• Natural variation
• Future maintenance

It’s far better to have a few spare cobbles than come up short halfway through a project.

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Need Help Calculating Your Project?

Whether you’re edging a driveway with black limestone cobbles, creating a traditional garden path, or installing a complete cobbled entrance, our team can help you calculate exactly what you need.

At A Cowley & Sons Ltd, we’ve been supplying quality natural stone for decades and are always happy to advise on quantities, layouts and the best products for your project.

Browse our range of premium natural stone cobbles or contact our team for expert advice before you order.

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This blog is well-positioned to target searches such as:

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One suggestion

I’d also add a simple visual diagram showing the three cobble sizes laid end-to-end along a 1 metre line, labelled with:

• 150 × 150mm = 7 per metre
• 200 × 100mm = 5 per metre
• 300 × 150mm = 4 per metre

That kind of graphic is excellent for readers and can earn image traffic from Google, while making the calculation instantly understandable.