How Many Yards of Concrete for Your Driveway?
Enter driveway dimensions → get cubic yards, base gravel, weight, and cost breakdown.
Last updated: April 15, 2026
4" for sedans, 5" for SUVs, 6" for trucks/RVs
Order Summary
Cubic Yards to Order
3.26 cu yd
includes 10% waste factor
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 (included)
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.
Worked Examples
12×20 Single-Car (4" thick)
- Area: 240 sq ft
- Concrete: 3.0 cu yd (with waste: 3.3)
- Base gravel (4"): 1.8 cu yd
- Weight: 3.6 tons
- Rebar: ~25 pieces (20' lengths)
- Est. cost: $1,700-$3,000
Perfect for: Sedans, compact cars, standard suburban lot
20×20 Double-Car (5" thick)
- Area: 400 sq ft
- Concrete: 6.2 cu yd (with waste: 6.8)
- Base gravel (4"): 3.5 cu yd
- Weight: 6.8 tons
- Rebar: ~40 pieces (20' lengths)
- Est. cost: $2,400-$6,000
Most common size — ideal for 2 cars + some storage
24×24 Wide Double (5" thick)
- Area: 576 sq ft
- Concrete: 8.9 cu yd (with waste: 9.8)
- Base gravel (4"): 5.0 cu yd
- Weight: 9.8 tons
- Rebar: ~58 pieces (20' lengths)
- Est. cost: $3,500-$8,600
For: SUVs, trucks, extra storage space
Thickness Guide
Proper thickness is key to durability. Thin driveways crack faster, especially in freeze-thaw climates. Here's what professionals recommend:
| Vehicle Type | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Standard cars (sedans, compacts) | 4 inches | Minimum for light traffic |
| SUVs, pickup trucks | 5 inches | Better for heavier vehicles |
| Heavy trucks, trailers | 6 inches | Prevents cracking under weight |
| RVs, commercial vehicles | 6-8 inches | Maximum durability required |
Climate Considerations
- Freeze-thaw climates: Add 1 inch to recommendations. Cold winters cause expansion that stresses thinner concrete.
- Hot climates: Standard thickness works, but avoid pouring in extreme heat (90°F+).
Base Gravel Guide
A proper gravel base is critical — it prevents settling, improves drainage, and extends driveway life. Skipping the base is a common cause of premature cracking.
Why You Need a Base
- • Prevents concrete from sinking into soft soil
- • Provides drainage beneath the slab
- • Distributes vehicle weight evenly
- • Reduces frost heave in cold climates
Recommended Depth
- • 4 inches — Standard for sandy, well-draining soil
- • 6 inches — Better for clay soil or heavy traffic
- • 8-12 inches — For very soft soil or extreme freeze-thaw
Order 20% extra — compacted gravel takes less space than loose
Best Material for Base
- • 3/4" crushed stone (most common) — angular, compacts well
- • Road base / crusher run — mixture of stone and fines, very stable
- • Gravel — cheaper but less stable, not ideal for driveways
Cost Guide (2026)
Concrete driveway costs vary widely based on size, thickness, finish, and location. Here's what to expect:
| Driveway Size | Square Feet | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-car (10×20) | 200 | $1,200 - $3,000 |
| 1-car (12×24) | 288 | $1,700 - $4,300 |
| 2-car (20×20) | 400 | $2,400 - $6,000 |
| 2-car (24×24) | 576 | $3,500 - $8,600 |
| 3-car (24×36) | 864 | $5,200 - $13,000 |
Cost Breakdown
- • Labor: $3-7 per sq ft (50-60% of total)
- • Materials: $3-8 per sq ft (concrete, gravel, rebar)
- • Site prep: $2-6 per sq ft (if removing old driveway)
Optional Upgrades
- • Stamped/stained: +$8-18 per sq ft
- • Sealing: +$1-3 per sq ft
- • Heated driveway: +$13-28 per sq ft
Concrete vs Asphalt Driveway
Both materials work well for driveways, but they differ in cost, lifespan, and maintenance. Here's a quick comparison:
| Factor | Concrete | Asphalt |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per sq ft | $6-15 | $5-12 |
| Lifespan | 30-40 years | 15-30 years |
| Maintenance | Seal every 2-3 years (optional) | Seal every 3-5 years (required) |
| Best for hot climates | ✓ Yes | Can soften in extreme heat |
| Best for cold climates | Can crack from frost heave | ✓ More flexible |
| Appearance | Many color/texture options | Limited to dark gray/black |
When to Choose Each
- Pick concrete if: You want longest lifespan, minimal maintenance, decorative options, or live in hot climate
- Pick asphalt if: Budget is tight, you live in extreme cold, or need quick installation (asphalt sets faster)
Control Joints Guide
Control joints (also called expansion joints or contraction joints) are intentional cuts in concrete that control where cracks form. Without them, cracks appear randomly and look worse.
Spacing Formula
Joint spacing = Thickness × 2.5 (in feet)
- • 4" thick → joints every 8-10 ft
- • 5" thick → joints every 10-12 ft
- • 6" thick → joints every 12-15 ft
When to Cut Joints
- • Cut within 6-24 hours after pouring
- • Depth should be 25% of slab thickness
- • Use a concrete saw or grooving tool
- • Cut in a grid pattern (both directions)
Contractor Selection Checklist
Before hiring a concrete contractor, ask these questions to ensure quality work:
Questions to Ask Your Contractor
- 1. How long have you been installing concrete driveways?
- 2. Can you provide references from similar projects?
- 3. What thickness do you recommend for my situation?
- 4. Will you use fiber mesh or rebar reinforcement?
- 5. Do you offer a warranty on materials and workmanship?
- 6. What is your payment schedule?
Red Flags
- • Large upfront payment demands
- • No written estimate or contract
- • Unlicensed or uninsured
- • Price significantly below market rate
Good Signs
- • 5+ years experience
- • Detailed written estimate
- • Licensed, bonded, insured
- • Positive reviews on Google/HomeGuide
Frequently Asked Questions
For a standard 400 sq ft driveway, costs typically range from $2,400 to $6,000 ($6-$15 per sq ft) depending on thickness, reinforcement, and local labor rates.
A typical 20×20 ft (double car) driveway at 4 inches thick requires about 5.5 cubic yards of concrete. At 5 inches thick, you'll need approximately 6.8 cubic yards.
One cubic yard covers 80 sq ft at 4 inches thick, 65 sq ft at 5 inches, or 54 sq ft at 6 inches. Formula: 27 cu ft ÷ thickness (ft) = coverage. For a 24×24 driveway at 4 inches, you need 7.2 yards (576 ÷ 80).
Technically no, but you'd be crazy to skip it. Wire mesh (6x6 W1.4xW1.4) is the minimum - cheap insurance against cracking. For anything over 4" thick or with heavy traffic, use #3 or #4 rebar in a grid pattern. It costs maybe $0.50-1.25 per square foot but makes the driveway way more durable.
Done right? 25-50 years easy. The keys are: proper base prep (4-6" compacted gravel), adequate thickness, good drainage slope (1-2%), and sealing every few years. Cheap shortcuts like skipping the base or going too thin will haunt you in 5-10 years with cracks and settling.
Yes — sealing prevents moisture damage, oil stains, and freeze-thaw cracking. Apply first seal after 28-30 days cure, then every 2-3 years. Cost is $1-3 per sq ft DIY, or hire a pro for $300-600 on a standard driveway.
A well-installed concrete driveway can add 5-10% to your home's value. Beyond resale, it improves curb appeal, lasts longer than asphalt, and needs less maintenance — all attractive to buyers.
Wait at least 7 days for regular cars, 10 days for trucks/SUVs. The concrete hits about 70% strength at 7 days but keeps curing for weeks. Hot weather speeds it up, cold slows it down. Don't rush it - driving too early can cause surface damage that's impossible to fix.