Cost estimate · Concrete driveway
Concrete Driveway Cost Calculator
Estimate ready-mix and install cost for a rectangular driveway from length, width, and thickness. Pick a vehicle/soil case to pre-fill a sensible thickness — then read the low / typical / high range.
Driveway dimensions
Estimated driveway cost
$2,209–$6,116
Typical ~$4,163 · $5–$13/sq ft
- Volume (raw)
- 5.93 cy
- With waste
- 6.22 cy
- Drive area
- 480 sq ft
Cost breakdown
- Ready-mix concrete (delivered)6.22 cy × $130–$200/cy$809–$1,244
- Labor — place & finish480 sq ft × $2.50–$8.00/sq ft$1,200–$3,840
- Rebar / wire mesh480 sq ft × $0.20–$1.50/sq ft$96–$720
- Formwork104 lf perimeter × $1.00–$3.00/lf$104–$312
Not included
- Excavation and grading
- Base gravel / compacted subbase
- Removal of existing concrete
- Permits and inspections
- Difficult site access or pumping beyond a standard day rate
- Asphalt overlay removal and curb cuts
Price data updated . National US ranges from published supplier and contractor averages. Not a bid. Local quotes vary.
How driveway cost is calculated
Same volume math as any slab, but driveways are long and narrow — perimeter (forms) and chute reach (pump) matter more than on a compact patio.
volume cu yd = length × width × (thickness_in ÷ 12) ÷ 27 order yards = volume × (1 + waste %) material = order yards × ready-mix $/cy labor = area × place-and-finish $/sq ft rebar = area × reinforcement $/sq ft forms = (2 × (length + width)) × forms $/lf
Worked example. A single-car drive 40 × 12 ft × 4 in is 160 cubic feet (5.93 cy). With 5% waste you order about 6.22 cy — above the short-load cutoff. Ready-mix alone runs roughly $808.89–$1,244.44. Labor on 480 sq ft at $2.50–$8/sq ft adds $1,200–$3,840. Base gravel and tear-out are still on top of that.
Concrete driveway thickness guide
Use the vehicle/soil selector in the calculator to apply these starting thicknesses. Always confirm with local practice and soil conditions.
| Case | Thickness | Typical width | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger cars (good soil) | 4" | Single 10–12 ft · double 18–24 ft | Compacted gravel base 4–6 in minimum. |
| Passenger cars (poor / soft soil) | 5" | Same widths; thicker slab spreads load | Consider fabric under the base. |
| Light trucks / SUVs frequent | 5" | 12 ft single common | Rebar grid preferred over mesh alone. |
| Delivery / RV / heavier vehicles | 6" | Check turning radii at apron | Engineered design recommended. |
Concrete driveway cost FAQ
- How thick should a concrete driveway be?
- Four inches over compacted base is common for passenger cars on good soil. Soft ground, frequent SUVs, or light trucks usually call for 5 inches; RVs and heavier delivery loads often need 6 inches and a designed reinforcement layout. Thickness is only half the story — base preparation decides whether the slab lasts.
- Does this driveway cost calculator include excavation and gravel?
- No. Digging out old pavement, hauling spoil, and placing compacted gravel base are separate line items and often a large share of a real bid. The totals here cover ready-mix, place-and-finish labor, and optional rebar, forms, pump, and stamped finish.
- What width should I use for a single or double driveway?
- A single-car drive is often 10–12 feet wide; a double is commonly 18–24 feet. Measure the usable paved width, not the property line. Flared aprons at the street add area — approximate them as extra length or average width if the shape is irregular.
- Is broom finish required on a driveway?
- A broom texture is the usual exterior finish because it improves wet traction. Smooth trowel finishes are slippery when wet and are uncommon for drives unless sealed decorative work is planned. Stamped driveways cost more — this tool adds the decorative uplift when you select stamped.
- How much does a concrete driveway cost per square foot?
- National installed ranges for a plain broom-finished drive often land roughly in the mid single digits to low teens per square foot once labor and concrete are combined, before base work. Use the per-sq-ft band this calculator prints for your dimensions, then add excavation and base from local quotes.
Comparing asphalt — or a smaller pour?
Asphalt calculator (tons) → · Slab cost calculator · Pad cost calculator