Concrete Driveway Calculator
Calculate concrete, base materials, and total cost for your driveway project.
Last updated: January 15, 2026
Enter Driveway Details
Sedans, compact cars: 4 inches
Metal grid laid flat inside concrete — best value for driveways
inches (4-6" recommended)
For DIY only — most driveways use ready-mix delivery (cheaper & easier)
Results
Concrete Needed
3.26 cu yd
includes 10% waste
Area
240 sq ft
Weight
6 tons
Base Gravel: 4.56 cu yd (6.39 tons)
Order "3/4 inch crushed stone" or "road base" at your supplier
Reinforcement: Wire Mesh (Most Popular)
Control Joints: Every 10 ft
Cut grooves into concrete to control where cracks form
Cost Estimate
Concrete:$488.89
Labor:$1,920
Base Material:$228.15
Reinforcement:$120
TOTAL:$2,757.04
*Estimate only. Actual costs vary by location and contractor.
Pro Tips
- • Order ready-mix for 3.26+ yards (more economical)
- • This job delivers 6 tons — check truck access
- • Schedule pour for mild weather (50-80°F ideal)
How to Use This Calculator
- Pick your driveway size — Use a preset (single, double, triple car) or enter custom dimensions. Most single driveways are 12×20 ft, doubles are 20×20 ft.
- Select vehicle type — This automatically sets the right thickness. Standard cars need 4-5", trucks and SUVs need 5-6", RVs need 6-8".
- Choose reinforcement — Wire mesh is the standard minimum. For heavy traffic or freeze-thaw climates, go with rebar. Fiber is an easy add-on for crack prevention.
- Include base materials — A proper gravel base (4-6") is critical. The calculator adds overage for compaction and wider base footprint.
- Get your estimate — Review concrete yards, base material, and total cost. Remember to get 2-3 contractor quotes before starting.
How We Calculate
Concrete (cu yd) = Length × Width × Thickness ÷ 27
Plus 10% waste factor for spillage and overpour
Thickness Guide (IRC)
- • Standard cars: 4-5"
- • SUVs / Trucks: 5-6"
- • Heavy vehicles: 6"
- • RV / Commercial: 6-8"
Control Joints
- • 4" thick: every 8-10 ft
- • 5" thick: every 10-12 ft
- • 6" thick: every 12-15 ft
- • Formula: thickness × 2.5
Example: 20×20 Double Driveway at 5"
- Area: 20 × 20 = 400 sq ft
- Volume: 400 × (5÷12) = 166.7 cu ft
- Cubic yards: 166.7 ÷ 27 = 6.17 cu yd
- With 10% waste: 6.17 × 1.1 = 6.8 cu yd
- Base gravel (4"): ~3.5 cu yd (22×22 ft footprint)
Calculations based on ACI (American Concrete Institute) and IRC (International Residential Code) standards. Learn more