Calculate materials for a new tarmac, concrete or gravel driveway including sub-base, base, and surface course.
This driveway tarmac calculator estimates the materials for a new driveway – the surface layer (tarmac, concrete, gravel or resin-bound), the compacted sub-base beneath it, and edging. It reports areas and volumes in metric and imperial so you can order confidently wherever you are.
In the UK a bitumen-bound black surface is usually called tarmac; in the US and Canada the same material is called asphalt or blacktop. They are effectively the same thing here, so pick "Tarmac (asphalt)" as your surface type wherever you are.
| Driveway | Width |
|---|---|
| Single car | 10–12 ft (3–3.7 m) |
| Double car | 20–24 ft (6–7.3 m) |
Take a drive 8 m × 3 m = 24 m² (about 86 ft × 32 ft area).
So this drive needs around 7.6 tonnes of sub-base and 3.7 tonnes of tarmac, plus weed membrane and edging. Add a waste allowance for cuts and compaction.
Aim for a tarmac surface (wearing) course of 50–70 mm (2–2.75 in) laid over a compacted sub-base of 100–150 mm (4–6 in) of MOT Type 1. Heavier use may add a 40–60 mm binder course between the two.
For a driveway, effectively yes. "Tarmac" is the common UK term for a black bitumen-bound surface, while "asphalt" or "blacktop" is the usual US and Canadian term for the same material. Choose the Tarmac (asphalt) surface type wherever you are.
A well-laid tarmac driveway lasts around 15–25 years with a proper sub-base and good drainage. Concrete can last 25–50 years, while gravel needs topping up every 2–5 years.
Yes. A compacted sub-base of 100–150 mm (4–6 in) of MOT Type 1 / crusher run is essential under tarmac to spread loads and stop the surface cracking or rutting.
Cost depends on area, depth and local rates. Use the cost estimator above: enter your price per tonne for tarmac and sub-base (and any labour) and the calculator totals it in your chosen currency.
