Concrete Driveway Calculator
Work out the concrete needed for a driveway from its length, width and slab thickness.
Calculator
| Cubic yards (exact) | 1.54 yd³ |
|---|---|
| Cubic feet | 41.7 ft³ |
| 80-lb bags of concrete mix | 77 bags |
| 60-lb bags of concrete mix | 102 bags |
How it is calculated
10 ft × 10 ft × 5 in ÷ 12 = 41.7 cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get 1.54 cubic yards, then add 10% for spillage and uneven ground: 1.70 cubic yards.
About this calculator
A concrete driveway is poured as a slab, so the volume is length × width × thickness. Driveways carry vehicles, so they are usually poured thicker than patios, often around 4 to 6 inches, with extra reinforcement or thicker edges where heavy vehicles will drive.
Driveways use a lot of concrete, so small errors in thickness add up: one extra inch over a 600 square foot driveway is close to 2 cubic yards. Most people order ready-mix from a supplier, who can also advise on mix strength and on air entrainment in freezing climates.
Worked examples
| Project | Cubic yards to order (+10% waste) | Rough cost |
|---|---|---|
| a 20x10 ft driveway, 5 in thick | 3.40 yd³ | $475 – $679 |
| a 30x12 ft driveway, 5 in thick | 6.11 yd³ | $856 – $1,222 |
| a 40x16 ft driveway, 5 in thick | 10.86 yd³ | $1,521 – $2,173 |
| a 60x20 ft driveway, 6 in thick | 24.44 yd³ | $3,422 – $4,889 |
Buying notes
- Ask the supplier about mix strength and, in freezing climates, air-entrained concrete.
- Plan control joints and reinforcement (rebar or welded wire) in your budget; they are not part of this estimate.
- The approach and apron where the driveway meets the street may follow local rules, so check before you pour.
Quick answers by size
Click a size for the exact quantity and cost.
How to measure and use this calculator
- Measure the driveway's length and its average width; flared aprons count too.
- Choose a thickness appropriate for the vehicles that will use it.
- Enter the numbers and read the cubic yards to order.
- Ask the supplier about minimum loads and short-load fees before booking a truck.
Common mistakes
- Using a flat thickness when the base is uneven.
- Leaving out the apron and turnaround areas.
- Forgetting reinforcement and control joints in the budget.
Tips
- Driveways carrying cars are usually poured 4–6 inches thick; trucks and RVs may need more.
- Ready-mix trucks charge by the yard plus delivery, so ordering a few percent extra is cheap insurance.
- Remember control joints and reinforcement (rebar or wire mesh) in your budget, which are not included here.
Frequently asked questions
How many yards of concrete is a driveway?
Multiply length × width × thickness (in feet), then divide by 27. This calculator does that and adds 10% waste.
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
Residential driveways are commonly poured about 4 inches thick, with 5 to 6 inches often chosen for heavier vehicles. Confirm requirements locally.
How long before I can drive on a new concrete driveway?
Concrete gains strength over days and weeks. Suppliers commonly advise waiting about a week before light vehicles, but follow your supplier's guidance.