Quick answer
Gallons of sealer = square feet × coats ÷ coverage per gallon. At a typical 80 sq ft per gallon, a 600 sq ft driveway needs 15 gallons (three 5-gallon pails) for two coats. DIY materials cost about $0.10 to $0.25 per square foot; contractors charge $0.15 to $0.40. Reseal every 2 to 3 years.
Sealcoating formula
Example: a 12 × 50 ft driveway is 600 sq ft. Two coats at 80 sq ft per gallon need 600 × 2 ÷ 80 = 15 gallons, which is three 5-gallon pails. The calculator always rounds up to whole containers and prices what you actually buy.
Sealer coverage rates
| Surface | Sq ft per gallon, per coat | 5-gal pail covers |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth, newer asphalt | ~90 | ~450 sq ft |
| Average driveway | ~80 | ~400 sq ft |
| Rough, porous or never sealed | ~60 | ~300 sq ft |
Always check the label: coverage varies by product, and sealers with sand or other additives cover less area. Concentrates that you dilute with water cover more per gallon of concentrate.
DIY vs contractor cost
Retail sealer costs roughly $5 to $10 per gallon in 5-gallon pails. You will also need a squeegee or brush, crack filler and a few hours on a dry, warm day. Contractors typically charge $0.15 to $0.40 per square foot, and bring commercial spray equipment that lays a more even coat. On large lots, a contractor's bulk sealer is often cheaper per square foot than retail pails.
When and how to seal
- Wait 6–12 months after new asphalt is laid, then reseal every 2–3 years.
- Seal when it is at least 50°F and rising, with no rain forecast for 24–48 hours.
- Clean the surface, treat oil spots, and fill cracks before sealing.
- Apply thin coats and let each dry fully; keep cars off for 24–48 hours.
If the driveway is badly cracked, sealer will not save it. Compare resurfacing and replacement costs instead, or check installed asphalt cost per square foot.
Frequently asked questions
How much sealcoat do I need for my driveway?
Multiply the area in square feet by the number of coats and divide by the coverage per gallon on the label, usually around 80 sq ft per gallon. A 600 sq ft driveway with two coats needs about 15 gallons, or three 5-gallon pails.
How many square feet does a 5-gallon bucket of sealer cover?
Most 5-gallon pails cover about 250 to 450 sq ft per coat, depending on the product and how porous the surface is. At a typical 80 sq ft per gallon, one pail covers about 400 sq ft with one coat or 200 sq ft with two.
How much does it cost to sealcoat a driveway?
Doing it yourself costs roughly $0.10 to $0.25 per square foot in materials for two coats. Hiring a contractor typically costs $0.15 to $0.40 per square foot, often with a minimum charge for small driveways.
How often should an asphalt driveway be sealed?
Every 2 to 3 years for most driveways. Wait 6 to 12 months after new asphalt is laid before the first coat, so the oils in the fresh asphalt can cure.
Is one coat or two coats of sealer better?
Two thin coats last longer than one thick coat and cover more evenly. One coat is fine for a maintenance top-up on a driveway that was sealed recently.