Asphalt Driveway Cost Calculator

Input Parameters All costs in your selected currency.

Unit

Length

Width

Asphalt Thickness (inches)

Asphalt Cost per Ton

Base Thickness (inches)

Base Cost per Ton

Removal Cost per sq ft

Edging Cost per ft

Custom Edging Length (ft, optional) Leave blank to use full perimeter.

Drainage (lump sum)

Labor (lump sum)

Misc / Overheads

Contingency (%)

Example Asphalt Driveway Cost Scenarios

This example table illustrates how different sizes and options influence estimated costs. Replace numbers with your regional rates for realistic planning.

Scenario	Size (ft)	Thickness (in)	Asphalt Cost/Ton	Base Included	Removal Included	Estimated Cost
Small residential	12 x 30	2.5	120	Yes	No	Approx 2,000 - 3,000
Standard double	20 x 40	3.0	120	Yes	Yes	Approx 5,000 - 7,500
Extended driveway	20 x 80	3.0	130	Yes	Yes	Approx 9,000 - 14,000

Formula Used

Area (sq ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft)
Asphalt volume (ft³) = Area (sq ft) × Thickness (in) ÷ 12
Asphalt tons ≈ Volume (ft³) × 145 ÷ 2000
Asphalt cost = Asphalt tons × Asphalt cost per ton
Base cost (if used) calculated similarly with crushed stone density ≈ 120 lb/ft³
Removal cost = Area (sq ft) × Removal cost per sq ft
Edging cost = Edging length (ft) × Edging cost per ft
Subtotal = Sum of all material, labor, removal, drainage, edging, misc costs
Contingency = Subtotal × Contingency percentage ÷ 100
Total cost = Subtotal + Contingency
Cost per sq ft = Total cost ÷ Area (sq ft)

Densities and example costs are illustrative; adjust values to match local suppliers and contractors.

How to Use This Calculator

Select the measurement unit and enter driveway length and width.
Set asphalt thickness and cost per ton based on supplier quotes.
Optionally include base layer thickness and rate for stable foundations.
Add removal, edging, drainage, labor, and miscellaneous allowances where applicable.
Set a contingency percentage to cover unknown or fluctuating expenses.
Click “Calculate Cost” to view total cost, cost per sq ft, and quantity breakdowns.
Use the CSV and PDF buttons to export the summary for clients or records.

This tool supports scenario comparisons by adjusting inputs and exporting each configuration separately.

Key Cost Drivers for Asphalt Driveways

Total price depends on driveway size, asphalt thickness, base preparation quality, haul distance, regional material rates, drainage complexity, edging style, equipment mobilization, and contractor overheads. Adjust each input realistically to reflect actual project conditions instead of generic per-square-foot assumptions.

Typical Asphalt Driveway Cost Range

Many residential asphalt driveways fall within a broad range per square foot, once materials, base construction, removal, labor, and contingencies are considered. Enter regional unit rates here to replace rough averages and generate location-specific cost bands for homeowners, builders, or facility managers.

Optimizing Thickness, Base Depth, and Lifecycle Costs

Heavier vehicles, weak subgrade, or poor drainage justify thicker asphalt and deeper granular base. Use this calculator to compare incremental cost versus extended service life, reduced rutting, fewer cracks, and lower long-term resurfacing or reconstruction expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How accurate is this asphalt driveway estimate?

The estimate is a planning guide only. Accuracy depends on how closely your inputs match real thickness, base depth, material prices, site access, drainage, and contractor productivity conditions.

2. What thickness should I use for a residential driveway?

Many light-duty driveways use about two to three inches over suitable base. Increase thickness where heavy vehicles, turning stresses, weak soils, or freeze-thaw cycles demand additional structural strength and durability.

3. Why include a contingency percentage in my cost?

Contingency covers unknowns like fuel surcharges, quantity overruns, soft spots, drainage changes, or schedule delays. Keeping five to fifteen percent helps prevent budget shocks and supports more realistic funding approvals.

4. Does removing the old driveway significantly change cost?

Yes. Demolition, hauling, and disposal can add substantial cost per square foot. Use the removal rate input to see financial impact when replacing deteriorated asphalt, concrete, or paver surfaces.

5. Can contractors use this report in their quotations?

Yes. Contractors can export CSV or PDF, adjust assumptions, attach supplier quotes, and include results as a transparent backup sheet supporting formal proposals, option comparisons, or value-engineering discussions.