How much concrete do I need for a driveway?

Driveways are usually slab-shaped but often longer and more awkward than a patio, so the estimate benefits from a small waste allowance.

Best for

Worked example

A 10 m by 3 m driveway at 0.15 m thickness

Driveways usually use the same slab formula but need a little more margin because the run is longer and the finish is more exposed.

Example

10 m × 3 m × 0.15 m = 4.5 m3. With 8 percent waste, the adjusted order volume is 4.86 m3.

Formula

Volume = length × width × thickness

Adjusted volume = volume × (1 + waste / 100)

How to use it

A driveway is usually a long rectangle, so split the shape if there are turns or widening sections.

Use the design thickness you plan to pour, not the finish layer above it.

A slightly higher allowance is sensible when access is difficult or the pour has many edges.

Use the slab calculator when the shape is a clean rectangle.

Open the main calculator for other concrete shapes.

Switch to a patio page if the driveway is more like an outdoor slab.