Use this asphalt driveway cost calculator to estimate the cost of a new asphalt driveway, with cost as the primary output. Enter the driveway size and thickness, then adjust the two editable tool presets for material price and installed cost per square foot. Tons are shown as a secondary line only.
How This Calculator Works
Area comes from length times width. Tons come from area, thickness, and a density of 145 pounds per cubic foot. Material cost is tons times the material price preset. Installed total, the primary cost output, is area times the installed cost per square foot preset.
Worked Example
For a 20 x 20 foot driveway at 3 inches thick: area is 400 square feet, and tons are 7.25 before waste. At a $125 per ton tool preset, material cost is $906.25. At a $7 per square foot installed tool preset, the installed total is $2,800. Waste handling is stated plainly: tons and material cost in this tool are before waste, and no waste allowance is added, so allow extra material if you expect waste.
Example Results
| Driveway | Area | Tons (before waste) | Material at $125/ton | Installed at $7/sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 20 ft, 3 in | 200 sq ft | 3.63 tons | $453.13 | $1,400.00 |
| 20 x 20 ft, 3 in | 400 sq ft | 7.25 tons | $906.25 | $2,800.00 |
| 20 x 30 ft, 3 in | 600 sq ft | 10.88 tons | $1,359.38 | $4,200.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 20 x 20 foot asphalt driveway cost?
With the tool presets on this page, the installed total is $2,800, and material alone is $906.25 for 7.25 tons before waste. Change the presets to match a quote you receive.
Are the prices on this page real local prices?
No. The $125 per ton and $7 per square foot figures are editable tool presets, illustrative only, and are not verified regional prices. Get a local quote for a real price.
Why are tons shown as secondary?
Because this tool’s primary output is cost. Tons are useful for ordering and checking material cost, so they are shown second.
Does this calculation add waste?
No. Tons and material cost are before waste. No waste allowance is added, so allow extra material if you expect waste, cuts, or irregular edges.
Does a thicker driveway cost more?
Material cost rises with thickness, because more tons are needed. Installed total on this page follows area and the installed preset, so change that preset if thickness changes your installed rate.
Should I get a professional quote before building?
Yes. Use this estimate for planning only, then get a written quote that covers base preparation, drainage, thickness, and local conditions.
Method and Notes
Area (square feet) = length x width. Tons = area x (thickness / 12) x 145 / 2,000. Material cost = tons x material price per ton preset. Installed total = area x installed cost per square foot preset. Both price presets are editable, illustrative tool presets, not verified regional quotes. Tons and material cost are before waste; no waste is added.
Related Calculators
Disclaimer
This calculator is for planning only. It is not professional paving advice, and its price presets are illustrative, not verified regional prices. It does not replace a qualified contractor or a written local quote. Verify size, thickness, base, drainage, and prices before you build.