Concrete Driveway Cost Calculator
Reviewed by Engr. Talha Tariq | PEC License #: PEC-CIVIL-37815 | Last updated: 2026-02-26
Our Concrete Driveway Cost Calculator helps you estimate the full financial layout for your next driveway project. Compare Ready-Mix and Bagged pricing, account for supplier constraints like short-load fees and minimums, add optional extras, and export a professional PDF estimate.
Estimate concrete volume and total cost for your driveway project (US imperial).
Total = Concrete Cost + Delivery/Fees + Add-ons. Typical driveway: $6–$12/sq ft installed, $120–$210/yd³ for ready-mix.
Enter your driveway dimensions and pricing above to see your project estimate.
Complete Guide to Concrete Driveway Costs
See every line item — concrete material, delivery fees, short-load charges, and optional add-ons — so you know exactly where your money goes.
Built-in support for supplier constraints like short-load fees, minimum orders, after-hours charges, and multi-truck estimates.
Compare Ready-Mix (truck delivery) with Bagged Concrete (DIY mixing). The calculator warns you when DIY becomes impractical.
Preset buttons for 4″, 5″, and 6″ slabs based on industry standards — 4″ for cars, 5″–6″ for heavier vehicles or RVs.
Built-in 5–10% overage calculator ensures you don't run short during the pour due to spillage or uneven subgrade.
Generate a clean, printable summary of your project inputs and costs to share with contractors or keep for records.
Why Use Our Concrete Driveway Cost Calculator?
- Accurate financial planning for new driveways, replacements, extensions, and turnarounds.
- Handles real supplier constraints — short-load, minimum delivery, after-hours, and returned concrete fees.
- Transparent formulas based on US industry standards for ready-mix pricing and QUIKRETE bag yields.
- Compare ready-mix vs. bagged concrete to see which option makes sense for your project size.
- Rounded order quantities (nearest 0.25 yd³) that match how suppliers actually sell concrete.
How to Estimate Your Driveway Project
- Measure your driveway Length and Width in feet.
- Add any Extra Area for turnarounds, aprons, or widened sections.
- Select a Thickness — 4″ for most cars, 5″+ for heavier loads.
- Choose your Pricing Method: Ready-Mix for most driveways, Bagged for small repairs.
- Enter your local Price per yd³ (typically $120–$210) or Price per Bag.
- Optionally fill in Supplier Constraints and Add-ons.
- Click Calculate and save your PDF summary.
Calculation Formulas Behind the Tool
- Area (ft²) = (Length × Width) + Extra Area
- Volume (ft³) = Area × (Thickness (in) / 12)
- Volume (yd³) = Volume (ft³) / 27
- Waste Factor = 1 + (Waste % / 100)
- Adjusted Volume = Raw Volume × Waste Factor
Default waste is 7%. Range: 5–10% is common for driveways.
- Billable yd³ = MAX(Adjusted Volume, Supplier Minimum)
- Concrete Cost = Billable yd³ × Price per yd³
- Order Qty = CEIL(Volume / 0.25) × 0.25 (rounded to nearest quarter-yard)
- Total = Concrete + Delivery + Fees + Add-ons
- Bag Count = CEIL(Adjusted Volume (ft³) / Yield per Bag (ft³))
- Concrete Cost = Bag Count × Price per Bag
- Total = Concrete Cost + Add-ons
Yields: 40lb → 0.30 ft³, 60lb → 0.45 ft³, 80lb → 0.60 ft³ (QUIKRETE 1101).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a concrete driveway cost?
In the US, a typical concrete driveway costs between $6 and $12 per square foot installed. A standard 40×12 ft driveway (480 sq ft) runs roughly $2,880–$5,760 including materials and labor. Decorative finishes like stamping or coloring add to the cost.
How thick should a residential driveway be?
Most residential driveways are 4 inches thick. If your driveway sees delivery trucks, RVs, or heavier traffic, 5–6 inches is recommended. Always use at least 4 inches for structural integrity.
Is ready-mix or bagged concrete better for a driveway?
Ready-mix (truck delivery) is almost always better for driveways. A typical 2-car driveway needs 5–7 cubic yards — that's over 200 bags of 80lb concrete to mix by hand. Ready-mix ensures consistent quality and is poured in one session.
What is a short-load fee?
A short-load fee is an extra charge applied when you order less concrete than the supplier's minimum threshold (often 3–5 yd³). This covers the cost of sending a partially loaded truck. Always confirm your supplier's policy.
Why do I need a waste allowance?
Soil is rarely perfectly flat. If your subgrade is slightly lower in some areas, or if there is spillage during the pour, you'll need more concrete than the exact calculation suggests. A 5–10% buffer is industry standard for driveways.
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