How to Determine How Many Feet Long a Driveway Is

Measure the distance using a surveyor's wheel. Particularly if your driveway is long, you may want to purchase or borrow a surveyor's wheel. To measure with this tool, you simply push the wheel down the driveway and count the number of clicks you hear as you do. Depending upon your wheel, each click will represent a different distance. This option is only appropriate for paved driveways, as the wheel will not roll effectively, and, as a result, will not prove a reliable measure, on gravel.

Run a measuring tape down the driveway. If your driveway is short and straight, a simple measuring tape may be all you need to take your measurement. With the help of a friend, run a measuring tape down one side of the driveway. If your driveway’s length extends beyond the reach of one measuring tape length, use chalk to mark where your tape ran out and start measuring again from that point, later adding the two figures.

Use rope run down one side of the driveway to measure a curvy driveway's length. Carefully lay a piece of rope against the edge of your driveway, moving down the driveway as you do. After you have laid the rope, cut it or mark it where your driveway ends. Pick up the rope and measure its length. Because the rope will curve with your driveway, this option is the most accurate for a curvy driveway.

Reset your car's trip odometer, then drive down the driveway. Record the reading you receive in miles. To translate this to feet, multiply the reading by 5,280, the number of feet in a mile. This option is most appropriate for very long driveways, as it is not as accurate as some other options.