Concrete Driveway Calculator
How much concrete a driveway takes, in cubic yards — and what the finished job is likely to cost, using per-square-foot rates you can replace with local quotes.
Result
| Driveway area | |
| Concrete volume | |
| Estimated installed cost |
Units & conversions used
Volume in cubic yards (ft³ ÷ 27) and cubic meters (ft³ × 0.02832). Cost is footprint area (ft²) multiplied by your installed rate per square foot — the market convention for quoting driveways, because thickness and finish are baked into the rate.
Formula & source
Cost range = area(ft²) × low rate … area(ft²) × high rate
Source: volume is rectangular-prism geometry. The $6–$12/ft² default band reflects commonly published 2025–2026 US pricing for a basic broom-finish residential driveway (materials, base and labor); decorative finishes, demolition of an old drive, permits and difficult access push above it. It is a budgeting aid, not a quote — our driveway cost guide breaks down what moves the price.
Worked example (you can verify by hand)
Input: 20 ft × 20 ft driveway, 4 in thick, 0% waste, rates $6–$12/ft².
- Area: 20 × 20 = 400 ft²
- Volume: 400 × (4 ÷ 12) = 133.33 ft³ ÷ 27 = 4.94 yd³
- Cost: 400 × $6 = $2,400 … 400 × $12 = $4,800
Expected output: 4.94 yd³ of concrete; estimated installed cost $2,400–$4,800.
Limitations — what this cannot do
- Rectangular driveways only. Aprons, turnarounds and curved edges must be measured as separate rectangles and added together.
- The cost range assumes a straightforward pour on a prepared base. Tearing out old concrete, extensive grading, reinforcement upgrades, stamped/stained finishes and permit fees are extra.
- It does not design thickness or reinforcement for your soil and vehicle loads — that follows local code and your contractor's judgment.
FAQ
How much does a concrete driveway cost?
A basic broom-finish concrete driveway commonly runs $6–$12 per square foot installed in published 2025–2026 US pricing, so a 400 ft² (20×20) drive lands around $2,400–$4,800. Stamped or stained finishes often reach $12–$18+ per square foot. Our full cost guide has prices by driveway size and the five factors that move them.
How many cubic yards of concrete do I need for a 20×20 driveway?
At 4 in thick: 20 × 20 × (4÷12) ÷ 27 = 4.94 yd³. Order about 5.3 yd³ with a 7% waste allowance. At 5 in thick the same drive takes 6.2 yd³.
Is concrete or asphalt cheaper for a driveway?
Asphalt usually costs less upfront; concrete costs more but lasts longer with less maintenance. We compare cost, lifespan and climate fit in concrete vs asphalt — or estimate the asphalt tonnage with our slab calculator volumes as a starting point.
What thickness should a concrete driveway be?
4 in is standard for passenger cars on a good base; go 5–6 in for heavy trucks, RVs or poor soil. Thickness is the cheapest strength you can buy — the extra yardage costs far less than a cracked driveway.