Asphalt Driveway Cost Calculator
Enter your driveway size, asphalt depth, and prices to get the tons of asphalt and the installed cost.
What your result means
Total cost is material plus labor for the driveway. Tons is your hot-mix order, figured at 145 lbs a cubic foot. Material is tons times your price; labor is the area times the labor rate. Hot-mix asphalt isn't a DIY job, so the labor line assumes a crew. Get a few quotes, since asphalt pricing swings hard.
How to use this calculator
- Measure driveway dimensions.
- Use 2 in depth for cars, 3 in for trucks.
- Get a quote per ton from local supplier.
- Get install labor quote per sq ft.
- Read tons needed, material cost, labor, and total.
The formula
Volume in cubic feet is length times width times depth in feet. Hot mix runs 145 lbs a cubic foot, so multiply by 145 over 2,000 for tons. Material is tons times your price per ton, labor is the area times the labor rate, and the two add up to the total.
Worked example
Say you've got a 40 by 10 ft driveway at 3 inches deep, figuring $110 a ton and $3 a square foot for labor. That's 100 cubic feet, 7.25 tons. Material runs about $797.50, labor $1,200, for roughly $2,000 installed.
Asphalt driveway quick reference
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Surface depth | 2 in cars / 3 in trucks |
| Hot mix density | 145 lb/cf |
| Material | $80 – $150 / ton |
| Labor | $2 – $5 / sq ft |
| Installed | $3 – $7 / sq ft |
Tips & gotchas
- Get three or more quotes. Asphalt pricing is all over the map between contractors.
- Lay it in warm weather, above 50 degrees, 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?
$3 to $7 a square foot installed, material and labor together.
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 specialized equipment and a crew.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
At least a 2 inch surface course over 4 to 6 inches of compacted base.
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Estimates only — see our full disclaimer.