How to Estimate the Cost of Cement for Driveways
- 1). Measure the width of the driveway. If the driveway varies in width, measure the driveway at its widest point. Record this number as dimension “A.”
- 2). Measure the full length of the driveway. Record this measurement as dimension “B.”
- 3). Measure the average depth of the concrete forms at either edge of the driveway. Record this measurement as dimension “C.”
- 4). Calculate the square footage of the driveway form using the following formula: Dimension “A” times dimension “B” equals the total square footage of the driveway forms. Example: For a driveway that is 18 feet wide and 40 feet long, the equation is 18 feet x 40 feet = 720 square feet of driveway.
- 5). Convert the driveway square footage area calculated in Step 4 into cubic feet using the following formula: Total square feet of driveway times dimension “C” equals the cubic footage of the driveway form. Example: For the driveway above, say the average depth of the concrete forms is 4 inches. For the equation, first convert the depth of 4 inches into feet (4 inches ÷ 12 inches = .333 feet). The equation is then 720 square feet x .333 feet = 239.76 cubic feet of driveway.
- 6). Calculate the total cubic yards of concrete needed by dividing the cubic feet determined in Step 5 by 27 (the number of cubic feet in one cubic yard). Example: 239.76 (total cubic feet of driveway) ÷ 27 = 8.88 total cubic yards of concrete needed for the driveway.
- 7). Contact your local ready-mixed concrete supplier to determine the per yard cost of the concrete. Multiply this fee by the total concrete area determined in Step 6.
Source...