"+"Total Sealer Required: "+gallonsNeeded+" Gallons
"+"Material Cost: $"+materialCost.toFixed(2);if(lab>0){details+="
Labor Cost: $"+laborCost.toFixed(2);}if(document.getElementById('steps').checked){details+="
"+"Calculation Steps:
"+"1. Driveway Area = "+l+" × "+w+" = "+area+" sq ft
"+"2. Sealing Surface (with "+n+" coats) = "+area+" × "+n+" = "+totalAreaToSeal+" sq ft
"+"3. Gallons needed = ceil("+totalAreaToSeal+" / "+c+") = "+gallonsNeeded+"
"+"4. Total Cost = ("+gallonsNeeded+" × $"+p+") + ("+area+" × $"+lab+") = $"+totalCost.toFixed(2);}document.getElementById('resSummary').innerHTML=summary;document.getElementById('resDetails').innerHTML=details;}
Calculator Use
Use this driveway sealer cost calculator to estimate the expenses for maintaining your asphalt surface. Whether you are planning a DIY project or hiring a professional, this tool helps you determine how much material to buy and what the final invoice might look like.
To get an accurate estimate, measure your driveway's length and width, check the price per 5-gallon pail at your local hardware store, and note the coverage rate listed on the product label.
- Driveway Length & Width
- The dimensions of your asphalt surface in feet. If your driveway is irregular, break it into rectangular sections and add them together.
- Price per Gallon
- Most sealer is sold in 5-gallon pails. Divide the pail price by 5 to get the price per gallon for this input.
- Coverage (sq ft/gal)
- This varies by product. Generally, a gallon covers 50 to 100 square feet depending on the condition of your asphalt.
How It Works
The driveway sealer cost calculator uses a straightforward geometric and mathematical approach to determine your costs. The formula accounts for surface area, product efficiency, and repeating applications (coats).
Total Cost = (Ceil((Length × Width × Coats) / Coverage) × Price) + (Length × Width × Labor Rate)
- Area: The physical footprint of the driveway.
- Sealing Surface: The total area being treated, which doubles if you apply two coats.
- Ceil Function: Since you cannot buy a partial gallon of sealer, the calculator rounds up to the nearest whole unit.
- Labor: Professional labor is typically charged per square foot or as a flat fee.
Calculation Example
Example: A standard two-car driveway measuring 20 feet wide and 50 feet long. You want to apply two coats of a high-quality sealer that costs $30 per gallon and covers 80 sq ft per gallon. You are doing the work yourself (Labor = $0).
Step-by-step solution:
- Area = 20 ft × 50 ft = 1,000 sq ft
- Total Sealing Surface (2 coats) = 1,000 × 2 = 2,000 sq ft
- Gallons Needed = 2,000 / 80 = 25 Gallons
- Material Cost = 25 × $30 = $750.00
- Total Result = $750.00
Common Questions
How much does a professional driveway sealing cost?
On average, professionals charge between $0.20 and $0.50 per square foot for labor and materials. For a 1,000 square foot driveway, expect to pay between $200 and $500 depending on the condition of the asphalt and local market rates. This driveway sealer cost calculator allows you to input these labor rates to compare DIY vs. Pro pricing.
How often should I seal my driveway?
Most asphalt professionals recommend sealing every 2 to 3 years. Sealing too often can lead to a buildup of sealer that may crack or peel, while waiting too long allows water and UV rays to damage the asphalt binder, leading to expensive repairs.
What affects the coverage rate of sealer?
Old, porous, or "thirsty" asphalt will absorb more sealer, significantly reducing the coverage rate per gallon. Newer or previously well-maintained driveways will require less material. Always buy 10-15% more material than the driveway sealer cost calculator suggests if your driveway has not been sealed in over 5 years.