How Many Yards of Concrete for Your Driveway?
Enter driveway dimensions → get cubic yards, base gravel, weight, and cost breakdown.
Last updated: November 3, 2026
4" for sedans, 5" for SUVs, 6" for trucks/RVs
Order Summary
Assumes a 4" base, 1 ft beyond each slab edge, plus 20% for compaction. Confirm with your supplier.
Cut grooves into concrete to control where cracks form
Cost Estimate
*Estimate only. Actual costs vary by location and contractor.
Worked Examples
Concrete order quantities include 10% waste. Base gravel uses a 4" depth, 1 ft beyond each slab edge, and a 20% compaction allowance. Weights are before waste, in US short tons (2,000 lb). Costs use the default planning prices: $150/cu yd concrete, $8/sq ft labor, $50/cu yd base, and $0.50/sq ft wire mesh. Confirm base requirements and prices locally.
12×20 Single-Car (4" thick)
- Area: 240 sq ft
- Concrete to order: 3.26 cu yd (net: 2.96)
- Base gravel (4"): 4.56 cu yd
- Weight: 6 US tons
- Wire mesh area: 240 sq ft (before overlaps)
- Example total: $2,757.04
Perfect for: Sedans, compact cars, standard suburban lot
20×20 Double-Car (5" thick)
- Area: 400 sq ft
- Concrete to order: 6.79 cu yd (net: 6.17)
- Base gravel (4"): 7.17 cu yd
- Weight: 12.5 US tons
- Wire mesh area: 400 sq ft (before overlaps)
- Example total: $4,777.04
Most common size — ideal for 2 cars + some storage
24×24 Wide Double (5" thick)
- Area: 576 sq ft
- Concrete to order: 9.78 cu yd (net: 8.89)
- Base gravel (4"): 10.01 cu yd
- Weight: 18 US tons
- Wire mesh area: 576 sq ft (before overlaps)
- Example total: $6,863.41
For: SUVs, trucks, extra storage space
Thickness Guide
Proper thickness is key to durability. Thin driveways crack faster, especially in freeze-thaw climates. Here's what professionals recommend:
| Vehicle Type | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Standard cars (sedans, compacts) | 4 inches | Minimum for light traffic |
| SUVs, pickup trucks | 5 inches | Better for heavier vehicles |
| Heavy trucks, trailers | 6 inches | Prevents cracking under weight |
| RVs, commercial vehicles | 6-8 inches | Maximum durability required |
Climate Considerations
- Freeze-thaw climates: Add 1 inch to recommendations. Cold winters cause expansion that stresses thinner concrete.
- Hot climates: Standard thickness works, but avoid pouring in extreme heat (90°F+).
Base Gravel Guide
A proper gravel base is critical — it prevents settling, improves drainage, and extends driveway life. Skipping the base is a common cause of premature cracking.
Why You Need a Base
- • Prevents concrete from sinking into soft soil
- • Provides drainage beneath the slab
- • Distributes vehicle weight evenly
- • Reduces frost heave in cold climates
Recommended Depth
- • 4 inches — Standard for sandy, well-draining soil
- • 6 inches — Better for clay soil or heavy traffic
- • 8-12 inches — For very soft soil or extreme freeze-thaw
This calculator uses a fixed 4" base with a 20% compaction allowance and 1 ft beyond each slab edge. Confirm the required depth and footprint for your site.
Best Material for Base
- • 3/4" crushed stone (most common) — angular, compacts well
- • Road base / crusher run — mixture of stone and fines, very stable
- • Gravel — cheaper but less stable, not ideal for driveways
Cost Guide (2026)
Concrete driveway costs vary widely based on size, thickness, finish, and location. Here's what to expect:
| Driveway Size | Square Feet | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-car (10×20) | 200 | $1,200 - $3,000 |
| 1-car (12×24) | 288 | $1,700 - $4,300 |
| 2-car (20×20) | 400 | $2,400 - $6,000 |
| 2-car (24×24) | 576 | $3,500 - $8,600 |
| 3-car (24×36) | 864 | $5,200 - $13,000 |
Cost Breakdown
- • Labor: $3-7 per sq ft (50-60% of total)
- • Materials: $3-8 per sq ft (concrete, gravel, rebar)
- • Site prep: $2-6 per sq ft (if removing old driveway)
Optional Upgrades
- • Stamped/stained: +$8-18 per sq ft
- • Sealing: +$1-3 per sq ft
- • Heated driveway: +$13-28 per sq ft
Concrete vs Asphalt Driveway
Both materials work well for driveways, but they differ in cost, lifespan, and maintenance. Here's a quick comparison:
| Factor | Concrete | Asphalt |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per sq ft | $6-15 | $5-12 |
| Lifespan | 30-40 years | 15-30 years |
| Maintenance | Seal every 2-3 years (optional) | Seal every 3-5 years (required) |
| Best for hot climates | ✓ Yes | Can soften in extreme heat |
| Best for cold climates | Can crack from frost heave | ✓ More flexible |
| Appearance | Many color/texture options | Limited to dark gray/black |
When to Choose Each
- Pick concrete if: You want longest lifespan, minimal maintenance, decorative options, or live in hot climate
- Pick asphalt if: Budget is tight, you live in extreme cold, or need quick installation (asphalt sets faster)
Control Joints Guide
Control joints (also called expansion joints or contraction joints) are intentional cuts in concrete that control where cracks form. Without them, cracks appear randomly and look worse.
Spacing Formula
Joint spacing = Thickness × 2.5 (in feet)
- • 4" thick → joints every 8-10 ft
- • 5" thick → joints every 10-12 ft
- • 6" thick → joints every 12-15 ft
When to Cut Joints
- • Cut within 6-24 hours after pouring
- • Depth should be 25% of slab thickness
- • Use a concrete saw or grooving tool
- • Cut in a grid pattern (both directions)
Contractor Selection Checklist
Before hiring a concrete contractor, ask these questions to ensure quality work:
Questions to Ask Your Contractor
- 1. How long have you been installing concrete driveways?
- 2. Can you provide references from similar projects?
- 3. What thickness do you recommend for my situation?
- 4. Will you use fiber mesh or rebar reinforcement?
- 5. Do you offer a warranty on materials and workmanship?
- 6. What is your payment schedule?
Red Flags
- • Large upfront payment demands
- • No written estimate or contract
- • Unlicensed or uninsured
- • Price significantly below market rate
Good Signs
- • 5+ years experience
- • Detailed written estimate
- • Licensed, bonded, insured
- • Positive reviews on Google/HomeGuide