Asphalt Driveway Cost Calculator (Metric)
Enter your driveway size in metres, asphalt depth in centimetres, and prices to get the tonnes of asphalt and the installed cost.
What your result means
Total cost is material plus labour for the driveway. Asphalt needed is your hot-mix order, figured at 2,323 kg a cubic metre. Material is tonnes times your price; labour is the area times the labour rate. Hot-mix asphalt isn't a DIY job, so the labour line assumes a crew. Get a few quotes, since asphalt pricing swings hard.
How to use this calculator
- Measure driveway dimensions in metres.
- Use 5 cm depth for cars, 8 cm for trucks.
- Get a quote per tonne from a local supplier.
- Get an install labour quote per square metre.
- Read tonnes needed, material cost, labour, and total.
The formula
Volume in cubic metres is length times width times depth (centimetres to metres). Hot mix runs 2,323 kg a cubic metre, so multiply by 2.323 for tonnes. Material is tonnes times your price per tonne, labour is the area times the rate, and the two add up to the total.
Worked example
A 12 by 3 m driveway 8 cm deep, at $110 a tonne and $22 a square metre for labour: that's 6.69 tonnes, material about $735.82, labour $792.00, for roughly $1,527.82 installed.
Asphalt driveway quick reference
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Surface depth | 5 cm cars / 8 cm trucks |
| Hot mix density | 2,323 kg/m³ |
| Material | per tonne (get a local quote) |
| Labour | per m² (get a local quote) |
| Installed | material + labour combined |
Tips & gotchas
- Get three or more quotes. Asphalt pricing is all over the map between contractors.
- Lay it in warm weather, above 10 °C, for a proper bond.
- Give it a day or two to compact and cure after laydown.
- Keep heavy vehicles off it for the first week or two.
- Sealcoat every 3 to 5 years to stretch its life.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an asphalt driveway cost?
It's the material (per tonne) plus labour (per square metre). Enter local prices above for your installed total.
How long does an asphalt driveway last?
15 to 25 years with sealcoating and basic upkeep.
Is asphalt cheaper than concrete?
Yes, usually 30 to 50% cheaper upfront, though concrete lasts longer.
Can I install asphalt myself?
No. Hot-mix asphalt needs specialised equipment and a crew.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
At least a 5 cm surface course over 10 to 15 cm of compacted base.
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Estimates only — see our full disclaimer.