Concrete Driveway Calculator
A concrete driveway is one of the highest-value home improvements you can make — it lasts 30–50 years with minimal maintenance and dramatically improves curb appeal. This calculator determines cubic yards of concrete, number of ready-mix trucks needed, and a complete cost estimate including optional labor. Standard residential driveways for passenger vehicles are 4 inches thick; trucks and SUVs need 5 inches; heavy loads (RVs, delivery trucks) require 6 inches minimum with wire mesh or #4 rebar reinforcement. A typical two-car driveway (18 × 40 ft) is about 10 cubic yards of concrete — just over one truck load. Most ready-mix suppliers have a minimum order of 1 yard and charge short-load fees under 5 yards. Factor in control joints every 8–10 feet and expansion joints at the garage apron to prevent cracking.
Buy MaterialsAD
Top PickConcrete Expansion Joint — Home Depot~$5.98* Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Related Calculators
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter your measurements in the fields above. Use the units shown next to each field (ft, in, etc.).
- 2Click Calculate to get your material estimate instantly.
- 3Review the highlighted result — it shows the key quantity you need to order.
- 4Use Copy Results to save your estimate, or bookmark the URL — your inputs are encoded in the link.
Pro tip: Always add 10% to your material order to account for waste, cuts, and defects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
For passenger vehicles, 4 inches is the standard minimum. For pickups and SUVs, 5 inches is recommended. For heavy delivery trucks or RVs, use 6 inches with wire mesh or rebar reinforcement.
How much does a concrete driveway cost per square foot?
Installed costs typically range from $6–$12 per square foot for basic concrete, or $8–$18 per square foot for decorative/stamped concrete, depending on your region.
How many cubic yards of concrete for a 2-car driveway?
A standard two-car driveway measuring 18 × 40 ft (720 sq ft) at 4-inch thickness requires about 8.9 cubic yards — call it 9 yards to order. At 5 inches thick, that's 11.1 yards. Add 8% waste for a total order of approximately 10–12 yards depending on thickness.
Should I put rebar or wire mesh in a driveway?
Both help control cracking. Wire mesh (welded wire reinforcement) is standard for residential driveways — it's cheaper and easier to install than rebar. Use rebar (#3 or #4 at 18" OC) for driveways that will support heavy vehicles. In either case, position the reinforcement at mid-depth, not at the bottom of the slab.