Asphalt Driveway Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$864 – $1,728
$3.00 – $6.00 per sq ft (installed)
Material
$288 – $576
Labor
$576 – $1,152
Driveway Area
288 sq ft
Asphalt Grade
Standard Hot Mix
Maintenance Tip: Sealcoat your asphalt driveway every 2–3 years ($0.15–$0.25/sq ft) to protect against UV damage, water penetration, and oil stains. First sealcoat should be applied 6–12 months after installation.
Standard Hot Mix: The most common residential asphalt. Standard 2–3 inch thickness over a compacted gravel base is sufficient for passenger vehicles. Lasts 15–20 years with regular sealcoating.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Asphalt Driveway Cost Breakdown
| Asphalt Grade | Material / Sq Ft | Labor / Sq Ft | Total / Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Hot Mix | $1.00 – $2.00 | $2.00 – $4.00 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Mid-Grade (Polymer-Modified) | $1.50 – $2.50 | $2.50 – $4.50 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| Premium / Commercial | $2.00 – $3.50 | $3.00 – $5.50 | $5.00 – $9.00 |
| Porous / Permeable | $2.50 – $4.00 | $3.50 – $6.00 | $6.00 – $10.00 |
* Costs shown for new installation (1.0× labor). Overlay saves 15%, remove & replace adds 20%.
Average Project Costs (Standard Hot Mix, New Installation)
| Driveway | Size | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|
| Single Car | 20 × 12 ft (240 sq ft) | $720 – $1,440 |
| Two Car | 24 × 20 ft (480 sq ft) | $1,440 – $2,880 |
| Long Driveway | 60 × 12 ft (720 sq ft) | $2,160 – $4,320 |
| Large / Circular | 30 × 24 ft (720 sq ft) | $2,160 – $4,320 |
How We Calculate
Our asphalt driveway cost calculator estimates project costs based on driveway dimensions, asphalt grade, and project condition. Material and labor costs are calculated per square foot, with labor adjusted by a project condition multiplier.
How the math works: Area = length × width. Material cost = area × material price per sq ft. Labor cost = area × labor rate per sq ft × condition multiplier. Total = material + labor. The condition multiplier adjusts labor: new installation is 1.0×, overlay on existing asphalt saves 15% (0.85×), and remove & replace adds 20% (1.2×) for demolition and new base prep.
Asphalt Grade Comparison
Standard Hot Mix ($1–$2/sq ft material, $2–$4/sq ft labor) is the most common residential asphalt. Applied at 2–3 inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Suitable for normal passenger vehicle use. Lifespan: 15–20 years with maintenance.
Mid-Grade (Polymer-Modified) ($1.50–$2.50/sq ft material, $2.50–$4.50/sq ft labor) includes polymer additives that increase flexibility and crack resistance. Especially beneficial in climates with extreme temperature swings. Lifespan: 20–25 years.
Premium / Commercial Grade ($2–$3.50/sq ft material, $3–$5.50/sq ft labor) uses a denser aggregate mix applied at 3–4 inches thick. Designed for heavier vehicles, higher traffic, and commercial applications. Lifespan: 20–30 years.
Porous / Permeable Asphalt ($2.50–$4/sq ft material, $3.50–$6/sq ft labor) allows water to drain through the surface into a stone reservoir base. Reduces stormwater runoff and may meet local environmental requirements. Requires periodic vacuuming to maintain porosity. Lifespan: 15–20 years.
Project Conditions
New installation is the baseline cost (1.0× labor) and includes standard gravel base preparation. Overlay on existing asphalt saves 15% on labor since the existing base is reused — requires structurally sound existing surface. Remove & replace adds 20% for demolition, haul-away, and new base preparation.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover asphalt material and installation labor including standard base preparation. Not included: gravel base upgrade ($1–$3/sq ft for poor soil conditions), edging and apron work ($3–$8/linear ft), drainage improvements ($500–$2,000), sealcoating ($0.15–$0.25/sq ft every 2–3 years), crack sealing ($1–$3/linear ft), and permit fees ($50–$200). Turnaround aprons and flared entries may add 10–20% to material costs.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), and verified paving contractor estimates across multiple US regions. Costs include standard 6–8 inch compacted gravel base preparation. We review and update this data regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-02
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an asphalt driveway cost? +
An asphalt driveway costs $3–$6 per square foot installed for standard hot mix, $4–$7/sq ft for mid-grade polymer-modified, and $5–$9/sq ft for premium commercial grade. A typical two-car driveway (480 sq ft) costs $1,440–$2,880 in standard asphalt. Porous asphalt runs $6–$10/sq ft.
How long does an asphalt driveway last? +
A properly installed and maintained asphalt driveway lasts 15–25 years. Regular sealcoating every 2–3 years, prompt crack repair, and proper drainage can extend lifespan to 25–30 years. Polymer-modified asphalt may last 20–30 years. Without maintenance, asphalt can deteriorate in as little as 10 years.
Is asphalt cheaper than concrete for a driveway? +
Yes, asphalt is significantly cheaper upfront. Asphalt costs $3–$6/sq ft vs. concrete at $6–$12/sq ft — roughly half the price. However, concrete lasts 25–40 years vs. asphalt's 15–25 years, and asphalt requires regular sealcoating ($0.15–$0.25/sq ft every 2–3 years). Over 30 years, total cost of ownership may be similar.
When is the best time to pave an asphalt driveway? +
Late spring through early fall (May–September) is ideal for asphalt installation. Asphalt must be laid when temperatures are consistently above 50°F. Hot mix asphalt needs warm conditions to compact properly. Scheduling in spring or early summer often yields better pricing before peak season demand.
Can you resurface an existing asphalt driveway? +
Yes, if the existing base is structurally sound. An asphalt overlay (1.5–2 inches) over existing asphalt costs 15–30% less than full replacement. The existing surface must be free of major cracks, heaving, or drainage problems. Overlaying saves on demolition and base preparation costs.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be? +
A standard residential asphalt driveway should be 2–3 inches thick over a 6–8 inch compacted gravel base. For heavy vehicles (RVs, trucks), increase to 3–4 inches. Commercial driveways need 4+ inches. The gravel base is critical — a well-compacted base prevents cracking and settling.
How soon can you drive on a new asphalt driveway? +
You can walk on new asphalt after 24 hours and drive on it after 3–5 days in warm weather. Wait 7–14 days in hot weather before parking in the same spot repeatedly. Avoid turning your steering wheel while stationary for the first 6 months. Wait 6–12 months before applying the first sealcoat.
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