Enter the size of your driveway, the asphalt thickness and base depth, and your local prices. The calculator works out the tons of asphalt and base stone, then adds labor, removal and fees into a full cost breakdown.
| Item | Cost |
|---|
Prices vary a lot by area and season. Use quotes from local contractors and suppliers for an accurate estimate.
What goes into the cost of an asphalt driveway
- Asphalt: tons of hot mix × price per ton.
- Base stone: tons of compacted gravel base × price per ton.
- Labor and equipment: usually quoted per square foot, covering grading, paving and rolling.
- Removing an old driveway: breaking up and hauling away the old surface, if there is one.
- Delivery, permits and fees: one-off costs that don’t depend on the size.
The calculator doesn’t set prices for you, because they vary a lot between regions and seasons. Use figures from your local suppliers and contractors.
Worked example
A 50 ft × 12 ft driveway with 3 inches of asphalt on 6 inches of base, using example prices of $110 per ton of asphalt, $30 per ton of base stone, $2.50 per square foot for labor and $300 in fees:
| Item | Amount | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt | 11.4 tons | $1,258 |
| Base stone | 19.8 tons | $594 |
| Labor and equipment | 600 sq ft | $1,500 |
| Fees | $300 | |
| Total | $3,652, or about $6.09 per sq ft |
These prices are only for illustration. Your local prices will be different.
What makes the cost go up or down
- Size and thickness: more square feet and thicker layers mean more tons.
- The ground underneath: soft soil, poor drainage or a slope can mean extra digging and a deeper base.
- Old surface: removing an old driveway adds labor and disposal costs.
- Access: tight spaces where trucks and rollers can’t reach slow the work down.
- Small jobs: many contractors have a minimum charge, so small driveways cost more per square foot.
How to get accurate prices
- Ask two or three local paving contractors for written quotes.
- Check whether each quote includes the base, grading and removal, so you compare like with like.
- Compare the price per square foot, which the calculator shows for your own figures.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an asphalt driveway cost?
It depends on size, thickness, the base and local prices. Enter your measurements and the prices from your quotes above to see a full breakdown.
How many tons of asphalt do I need for a driveway?
A 600 square foot driveway at 3 inches thick needs about 11 tons of asphalt, including 5 percent extra. The asphalt calculator works it out for any size.
Is asphalt cheaper than concrete?
Asphalt usually costs less to install, but it needs sealing every few years. Concrete costs more up front and less over time. The concrete cost calculator lets you compare with your own prices.
How long does an asphalt driveway last?
With a good base and regular sealing, asphalt driveways are commonly said to last 15 to 20 years or more.
Do I need a gravel base under asphalt?
Yes, for a new driveway. The base carries the weight and drains water away. Without it, the asphalt cracks and sinks.
Results are estimates for planning. Prices vary by area, so use local quotes. See How We Calculate for the formulas and values we use.