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/bagDefault: $6.98/bag
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/CYDefault: $137.00/CY
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flatDefault: $175.00flat
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/tonDefault: $48.00/ton
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/sqftDefault: $0.35/sqft
Learn more with these helpful guides and tips
A new driveway is one of the most visible and heavily used elements of your property, and getting the calculations right ensures you order the correct amount of concrete while staying within budget. This comprehensive guide teaches you how to accurately calculate concrete for driveways, choose appropriate thickness, understand cost factors, and avoid expensive mistakes.
Single car: 10-12 ft wide × 20 ft long
Double car: 20-24 ft wide × 20 ft long
Thickness: 4" standard, 6" for heavy vehicles
Typical cost: $$6-12 per square foot installed
| Vehicle Type | Minimum Thickness | Recommended Thickness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger cars only | 4 inches | 4 inches | Standard residential |
| Light trucks/SUVs | 4 inches | 5 inches | Most common use case |
| Heavy trucks/RVs | 5 inches | 6 inches | Requires stronger base |
| Commercial vehicles | 6 inches | 8 inches | May require engineering |
Four-inch thickness works for standard passenger vehicles and represents the minimum for residential driveways. Most contractors recommend 5-6 inches for modern vehicles, which are heavier than cars from decades past when 4-inch became standard. The cost difference between 4 and 6 inches is about $$1.50-2 per square foot—worthwhile insurance against cracking from heavy loads.
Proper base preparation matters more than concrete thickness. A 6-inch driveway on poor base will fail faster than a 4-inch driveway on proper base. Excavate 8-12 inches below finished grade, install 4-6 inches of compacted gravel, then pour concrete on top.
Never skip base prep: Pouring directly on clay or topsoil guarantees settling and cracking within 2-5 years. The $$200-400 spent on gravel base prevents $$3,000-8,000 in driveway replacement costs.
| Item | Cost per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic concrete (4") | $$4-6 | Plain finish, standard mix |
| Standard (5") | $$6-8 | Most common residential |
| Heavy duty (6") | $$8-10 | For trucks/RVs |
| Decorative finish | +$$2-6 | Stamped, colored, exposed aggregate |
| Removal of old driveway | $$2-4 | Adds to total project cost |
For a typical 20×20 driveway (400 sq ft) at 5 inches thick, expect $$2,400-3,200 for basic installation or $$3,200-5,600 with decorative finishes. This includes excavation, base prep, concrete, finishing, and cleanup.
1. Insufficient thickness: Using 3-inch concrete to save money guarantees cracking. Always use minimum 4 inches, preferably 5-6 inches.
2. Poor drainage: Driveways must slope 1/4 inch per foot away from structures. Standing water causes deterioration and ice hazards.
3. No control joints: Cut control joints every 10 feet to control where cracks occur. Without them, random cracking ruins appearance.
4. Weak base: Skipping gravel base or poor compaction leads to settling. Always use 4-6 inches of compacted gravel.
5. Wrong concrete mix: Use minimum 3,500 PSI with air entrainment for freeze-thaw resistance. Standard 3,000 PSI isn't sufficient for driveways.
Use our free Driveway Calculator above to get instant, accurate results for your driveway project. Calculate concrete volume, material costs, and get detailed estimates in seconds.
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