Driveway Calculator
Work out what a driveway needs by its surface — asphalt or gravel by weight, concrete by volume and bags, or pavers by count.
One driveway, four surfaces — and each is measured differently: asphalt and gravel by weight, concrete by volume and bags, pavers by count. This calculator does the right maths for the surface you choose.
For a full concrete driveway with ready-mix and sub-base, use the concrete driveway calculator.
Your results
Enter your measurements and press Calculate.
Quantities are rounded up to whole tiles, planks, boxes or bags, after the wastage allowance. Cost appears only when you enter a price.
Formula
All lengths are converted to a single unit before the calculation: 1 ft = 0.3048 m, 1 in = 25.4 mm, 1 ft² = 0.09290304 m², 1 yd² = 9 ft². Material quantities are rounded up — you cannot buy part of a tile, plank or bag.
How to use this calculator
- Measure the driveway length and width.
- Choose the surface material.
- Enter the depth (and density or paver size, as needed).
- Add a price if you want a cost estimate — the basis follows the material.
Worked example
| Driveway | 20 ft × 12 ft = 240 ft² |
|---|---|
| Asphalt (3 in, 2,400 kg/m³, 10% wastage) | Volume 2.44 yd³, weight 4.49 tonnes |
| Concrete (4 in, 10% wastage) | Volume 3.26 yd³, 147 bags of 80 lb |
| Pavers (12 × 12 in, 10 mm joint, 10% wastage) | 248 pavers |
Check it by hand: every step above uses the formula in the box. If your numbers match the example inputs but the calculator gives a different answer, please report it via the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
How much asphalt do I need for a driveway?
Area × depth, then weight from the density. A 20 × 12 ft driveway at 3 in deep needs 2.44 yd³ — about 4.49 tonnes at 2,400 kg/m³. Enter your supplier's density above.
What is the difference between this and the concrete driveway calculator?
This page compares surfaces — asphalt, gravel, concrete or pavers — for one driveway. The concrete driveway calculator (Phase 2) does the full concrete job: ready-mix volume, sub-base and cost. Use that one for a concrete-only job.
How thick should a driveway be?
Asphalt 2–3 in over a 4–6 in base; concrete 4 in (5–6 in for heavy vehicles); gravel 3–4 in over a compacted base; pavers on 1 in of bedding sand over a 4–6 in base.
Do I need a sub-base under a driveway?
Yes — 4–6 in of compacted crushed stone under any surface, or it will sink and crack. The gravel calculator works out the sub-base volume.
Related calculators
Estimates only. Results are for planning. Measure twice, confirm box coverage and tile sizes on the packaging you buy, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. See the disclaimer.