Concrete & Driveway Calculator: Yards, Bags and Cost
| Material | Per sq ft | Your job | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel | $1.50–$3 | $720–$1,440 | Ongoing top-ups |
| Asphalt | $4–$8 | $1,920–$3,840 | 15–20 yrs |
| Concrete | $8–$18 | $3,840–$8,640 | 25–40 yrs |
| Pavers | $15–$30 | $7,200–$14,400 | 30+ yrs |
How the concrete maths works
Volume is area × thickness, plus a margin, converted to the units you buy in. The cost ranges are typical national installed prices, not a quote.
- Volume. Area (sq ft) × thickness (in) ÷ 12 = cubic feet, then +10% for spillage and base variation.
- Cubic yards. Cubic feet ÷ 27, rounded up to the next quarter yard — how ready-mix is ordered.
- Bags. Cubic feet ÷ 0.6 for 80-lb bags, ÷ 0.45 for 60-lb bags, rounded up.
- Asphalt. Cubic feet × 145 lb (compacted hot mix) ÷ 2,000 = tons.
Common questions
How many yards of concrete do I need?
Multiply length × width × thickness in feet to get cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, and add about 10% for spillage and an uneven base. A 40 × 12 ft driveway at 4 inches is 6.5 cubic yards before the extra — order 7.
How many bags of concrete make a yard?
About 45 bags of 80-lb mix (0.6 cu ft each) or 60 bags of 60-lb mix (0.45 cu ft each). Past a yard or so, ready-mix delivered by truck is cheaper and far less work.
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
Four inches for cars on a well-compacted base; five to six inches for trucks, RVs or soft soil, usually with rebar or wire mesh.
How much does a driveway cost per square foot?
Installed, roughly $1.50–$3 for gravel, $4–$8 for asphalt, $8–$18 for concrete and $15–$30 for pavers. Tear-out, grading and a new base can add 20–40%.
Trace your driveway and get a free quote.
Type your address, tap the corners of the driveway on the satellite map, and see asphalt, concrete and paver prices for that exact area.
- Free, no credit card
- Works on any US address
- Three options, good to best
- No site visit to get a number