Asphalt Driveway Cost Calculator

See what a new or resurfaced asphalt driveway is likely to cost: an installed price range, the cost per square foot, and how many tons of asphalt and base gravel the job takes.

Project
Commonly 4–8 in
Typical $92.5–$150
Crushed limestone ~$30–$40

Installed cost (typical range)

A new 288 sq ft asphalt driveway typically costs $1,129–$1,800 installed.

$1,129–$1,800

  • Per sq ft installed$3.92–$6.25
  • Area288 sq ft
  • Asphalt5.5 tons
  • Base gravel7.5 tons
  • Materials only$925

Materials only: 5.5 t asphalt × $121 + 7.5 t gravel × $35. Installed range uses new-driveway prices per sq ft; labor, grading, removal and permits are where quotes differ most.

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Estimate only, not a quote or professional advice. Disclaimer

What goes into the cost

Two numbers come out of this calculator. The installed range multiplies your area by typical prices per square foot from a dated cost guide, which already include labor, equipment and the contractor's overhead. The materials-only figure is the asphalt and gravel you'd buy by the ton, useful for checking a quote or a DIY patch, but a long way from the full price.

Worked example

A new 12 × 24 ft driveway (288 sq ft) at 3 inches needs about 5.5 tons of asphalt and 7.5 tons of gravel for a 6-inch base. The materials cost about $925 at the default prices, and the typical installed range is $1,129–$1,800. Resurfacing the same driveway at 2 inches would typically cost $576–$1,440.

Typical cost by driveway size

SizeSq ftNew, installedResurface
10 × 20 ft200$784–$1,250$400–$1,000
12 × 24 ft288$1,129–$1,800$576–$1,440
12 × 50 ft600$2,352–$3,750$1,200–$3,000
16 × 40 ft640$2,509–$4,000$1,280–$3,200
20 × 20 ft400$1,568–$2,500$800–$2,000
24 × 24 ft576$2,258–$3,600$1,152–$2,880
20 × 40 ft800$3,136–$5,000$1,600–$4,000
24 × 36 ft864$3,387–$5,400$1,728–$4,320

Ranges are area × typical price per sq ft. Small jobs often carry a minimum charge, so the smallest sizes can cost more than shown.

Asphalt or concrete?

Concrete driveways usually cost more per square foot up front. Compare both for your size on the asphalt vs concrete driveway cost page. Budget for upkeep too: asphalt is typically sealed every few years (see the driveway sealer calculator).

Frequently asked questions

How much does an asphalt driveway cost?

LawnStarter's October 2026 cost guide puts a new asphalt driveway at about $3.92 to $6.25 per square foot installed, with a national average of about $4,996 for a typical driveway. Resurfacing an existing driveway costs less, about $2–$5 per square foot.

What is the asphalt cost per square foot?

Installed, a new asphalt driveway typically runs $3.92–$6.25 per square foot. The asphalt material alone at $121 a ton and 2 inches thick is about $1.46 per square foot; labor, base preparation and equipment make up the rest.

Is it cheaper to resurface or replace an asphalt driveway?

Resurfacing (a new 1.5–2 inch layer over sound asphalt) is usually much cheaper because it skips removal and base work. It only works when the old surface and base are still solid; wide cracks, potholes or soft spots usually mean the driveway needs to be removed and rebuilt.

Do I need a gravel base under asphalt?

A new asphalt driveway needs a compacted gravel base. Cost guides commonly recommend 4 to 8 inches of crushed stone; poor soil or heavy vehicles call for more. The calculator includes base gravel for new driveways and leaves it out for resurfacing.

Why do paving quotes vary so much?

Asphalt prices follow oil prices and the distance to the plant. Small jobs often carry a minimum charge, and site work such as removal, grading, drainage and permits differs from one driveway to the next. Get at least two written quotes that list thickness, base depth and what is included.

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Sources