How to Estimate an Asphalt Driveway

Professional Installation

• 1

  Find the length and width of the driveway using your architect scale set to the scale factor indicated on the drawing sheet (this is usually noted under the sheet title). You may have to break up the driveway into smaller sections that are easier to measure.

• 2

  Multiply the length and width dimensions found in Step 1 to calculate the square footage of the driveway footprint (if you broke the driveway into sections, simply add the products of each section together to find the total square footage of the driveway).

• 3

  Call your local asphalt paving company to quote the current cost per square foot of asphalt, then multiply their rate by your total amount of square feet to be paved to find the total cost of the driveway. Make sure the cost estimate includes repairing or installing the road base under the new asphalt as well.

• 4

  If you're replacing an existing driveway, don't forget to include the cost of removing and disposing the old asphalt driveway material.

DIY Installation

• 5

  Find the length and width of the driveway using your architect scale set to the scale factor indicated on the drawing sheet (this is usually noted under the sheet title). You may have to break up the driveway into smaller sections that are easier to measure.

• 6

  Multiply the length and width dimensions found in Step 1 to calculate the square footage of the driveway footprint (if you broke the driveway into sections, simply add the products of each section to find the total square footage amount).

• 7

  Multiply the product from Step 2 by .25 (this will calculate a three-inch driveway thickness) to calculate the volume (in cubic feet) of asphalt needed for the driveway. Some areas may require the application of subgrade material (most commonly used is limestone gravel) prior to asphalt application; in this case, multiply the product from Step 2 by .5 (this will calculate a six-inch layer thickness) to calculate the volume of subgrade material needed.

• 8

  Call your local building supply center to quote the current cost of asphalt and subgrade limestone gravel per cubic foot, and multiply the total volumes found in Step 3 by their unit costs, and add to find the total cost of materials.

• 9

  If you're replacing an existing driveway, don't forget to include the cost of removing and disposing the old asphalt driveway material. You can call local construction equipment rental centers for the costs of any heavy equipment (small tractors, jackhammers, etc.) you may need. You can also call a waste-transport company to quote removal and disposal fees (most waste-transport companies will offer both services).