Driveway Calculator
Calculate materials needed and estimated cost for your driveway project based on dimensions and material type.
How much does a new driveway cost?
Driveway costs per square foot installed: Gravel: $1-3 (cheapest, needs maintenance). Asphalt: $3-7 (mid-range, 20-30 year life). Concrete: $8-18 (expensive, 30-50 year life, best durability). Pavers: $10-30 (premium, beautiful, high-end). Stamped concrete: $12-25 (decorative option). For standard 2-car driveway (16'x40' = 640 sq ft): Gravel $640-1,920, Asphalt $1,920-4,480, Concrete $5,120-11,520. Location, site prep, and features (borders, colors, patterns) add cost.
What is the standard driveway size?
Standard driveway dimensions: Single car: 10-12 feet wide, 18-20 feet long minimum. Double car: 20-24 feet wide, 18-20 feet long. Length to garage: 18-20 feet minimum, 30-50 feet typical for setback homes. Turning radius: Add 10-12 feet width for turn-around areas. Parking pad: 10x20 feet per additional car. Minimum recommendations: 12' wide single lane, 20' wide double, 4 inches thick residential, 6 inches for heavy vehicles/RVs. Check local codes for setback requirements from property lines.
How thick should a driveway be?
Driveway thickness by material: Concrete: 4 inches minimum residential, 5-6 inches for heavy vehicles/RVs, 6-8 inches commercial. Asphalt: 2-3 inches residential (over 4-6 inches base), 3-4 inches commercial. Gravel: 4-6 inches minimum, 8-12 inches for soft soil. All require 4-6 inch compacted gravel base for drainage and stability. Thicker not always better - proper base preparation more critical. Use rebar or wire mesh reinforcement in concrete. Expansion joints every 10 feet prevent cracking.
How do I calculate cubic yards for a driveway?
Formula: (Length × Width × Depth in feet) / 27 = Cubic yards. Convert depth from inches to feet first. Example: 40' × 16' driveway, 4 inches deep concrete: 40 × 16 × (4/12) / 27 = 7.9 cubic yards, round to 8. For gravel: same formula. For asphalt: use tons instead (1 cubic yard ≈ 2 tons). Always add 5-10% extra for waste, uneven sub-grade. Gravel base calculated separately: same area, different depth (typically 4-6 inches compacted).
Do I need a permit for a new driveway?
Most jurisdictions require permits for new driveways: Permits needed for: New driveway installation, driveway expansion, changing materials, culvert installation. Check requirements: Setback distances from property lines, maximum width, drainage requirements, curb cut permits (if accessing public street), environmental regulations. Permit costs: $50-500 depending on location and scope. Process: Submit site plan, show drainage, get utility clearance. Unpermitted driveways risk: fines, removal requirements, problems selling home. Always verify property lines and easements first.
Should I choose concrete or asphalt for my driveway?
Concrete vs Asphalt comparison: Concrete pros: 30-50 year life, minimal maintenance, better in hot climates, can be decorative, handles heavy loads. Cons: higher initial cost ($8-18/sq ft), can crack in freeze-thaw, 7-day cure time. Asphalt pros: lower cost ($3-7/sq ft), faster installation, better in cold climates, easy repairs. Cons: needs resealing every 3-5 years, 20-30 year life, softens in extreme heat, black color only. Best choice: Concrete for long-term value and appearance, asphalt for budget and cold climates.
How long does it take to install a driveway?
Installation timeline by material: Gravel: 1-2 days (excavation, base, gravel). Asphalt: 2-3 days (excavation, base, paving; can drive in 2-3 days). Concrete: 3-5 days work (excavation, base, forms, pour, finish; 7-day cure before driving). Pavers: 4-7 days (extensive base prep, individual paver placement). Factors affecting timeline: Weather (no rain/freeze), site prep complexity, size, removal of old driveway, permits/inspections. Typical 2-car driveway: 3-5 days total. Large or complex driveways may take 1-2 weeks.