Asphalt Calculator
Residential driveway estimate

Asphalt Driveway Estimate

Get an asphalt driveway estimate with square footage, thickness, project type, tonnage, waste, and local installed cost range.

Project inputs

Size a driveway by area or length × width, then check rough material and installed cost.

Input mode

Selected: Area

Units

Selected: Imperial (tons)

Fresh asphalt over prepared base.

3 in
7%

A little waste is normal for cuts, waste, and site cleanup.

A simple starting point for quick estimates.

Formula: area × thickness × density ÷ 2000, then add waste. The calculator converts metric input for you and uses 145 lb/ft³ for the base estimate.

Quote range

Project estimate

National average
Area: 700 sq ftThickness: 3 inVolume: 6.5 yd³ / 5Weight: 13.6 tons / 12.3 tonnes

Results update automatically as you edit.

Asphalt quantity

13.6 tons / 12.3 tonnes

6.5 yd³ / 5 m³ of asphalt volume.

Asphalt installed

$1,901 - $2,987

Typical new installation range in this estimate model.

Concrete installed

$4,900 - $9,800

Concrete is usually the more expensive option here.

Gravel installed

$1,400 - $3,500

Useful as a lower-cost comparison point.

Estimate only

Final pricing depends on access, prep work, base condition, grading, haul distance, and local crew rates.

Ready to ask for a quote?

Paste these numbers into a message when you ask a local paving contractor for a quote.

Area: 700 sq ft · Thickness: 3 in · Waste: 7%

For homeowners

Use this before calling paving contractors so you know your rough size, tonnage, and price range.

Project type included

Switch between new installation, overlay, and full replacement to match the bid you expect.

Best use

Treat the result as a planning number, then confirm it with a site visit.

Guide

What a driveway estimate should include

A driveway estimate should not be just one total. It should mention the area, compacted thickness, material quantity, base work, drainage, removal, cleanup, and whether the surface is new, resurfaced, or replaced.

Area and thickness

These two inputs decide most of the asphalt tonnage before labor is added.

Base and drainage

Weak base or water problems can turn a simple overlay into a more expensive repair.

Removal scope

Full tear-out costs more because the crew has to remove and haul away the old surface.

Guide

How to compare driveway bids

Ask each contractor to quote the same driveway size and the same scope. If one bid looks much cheaper, check whether it skips base repair, edging, drainage, or cleanup.

New install

Best for bare ground, a new build, or a driveway that needs a full base.

Overlay

Best when the existing surface and base are still sound.

Replacement

Best when the old asphalt is cracked, broken, or failing from underneath.

Example ranges
ProjectScopePlanning range
One-car drivewayAbout 200-400 sq ftOften affected by minimum crew charges.
Two-car drivewayAbout 600-800 sq ftCommon homeowner estimate range.
Long rural driveway1,000+ sq ftHaul distance and access matter more.
Quote checklist

Before you trust a paving number

  • Ask for compacted asphalt thickness, not loose thickness.
  • Ask whether grading, base stone, drainage, removal, and cleanup are included.
  • Ask whether the contractor is quoting overlay or full replacement.
  • Compare at least two quotes with the same square footage.

Best next step

Copy the calculator result, then ask two or three local suppliers or paving contractors to quote the same size, thickness, and scope.

Related asphalt tools

Use these pages when you need a different cost unit, local price band, or driveway-specific estimate.

FAQ

Measure the driveway area, choose thickness, select the project type, then compare the calculator result with local contractor bids.