Asphalt Calculator
An asphalt calculator works out how much asphalt you need by multiplying your area by the thickness to get a volume, then converting to tons using the weight of hot mix asphalt. Asphalt is ordered by the ton. Enter your length, width and thickness below for tons and an estimated cost.
thickness in inches; asphalt density ~145 lb per cubic foot (~2 tons per cubic yard).
- Cubic yards
- 0
- Estimated cost
- $0.00
Enter your dimensions to see the result.
Estimate only. Material yields and prices vary by supplier and region; confirm before ordering.
How Do You Calculate How Much Asphalt You Need?
To calculate asphalt, multiply the length by the width to get the area, then by the thickness in feet to get cubic feet. Multiply cubic feet by 145 pounds (the weight of a cubic foot of hot mix) and divide by 2,000 for tons. A 50 by 20 foot lot at 3 inches thick is 250 cubic feet, which is about 18.1 tons. The calculator above runs this and adds a compaction and waste allowance.
How Is Asphalt Measured and Sold?
Asphalt is measured and sold by the ton. Hot mix asphalt weighs roughly 145 pounds per cubic foot, so about 2 tons per cubic yard, heavier than gravel or concrete. This is why the calculator converts your volume to tons: the plant and the paving contractor both quote per ton. Knowing your tonnage lets you order the right amount and compare paving quotes.
How Thick Should Asphalt Be?
Asphalt thickness depends on the load. A residential driveway is usually 2 to 3 inches of asphalt over a compacted gravel base, while parking lots and roads that carry heavier traffic need more, often 3 inches or more in multiple lifts. Thickness drives tonnage directly, so set the exact figure in the calculator. Remember asphalt compacts during paving, so order includes a compaction allowance.
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Frequently asked questions
- How much asphalt do I need for a driveway?
- A 50 by 20 foot driveway at 3 inches thick needs about 18.1 tons of hot mix asphalt. Thinner 2 inch driveways need about 12 tons for the same area.
- How many tons of asphalt are in a cubic yard?
- Hot mix asphalt weighs about 2 tons per cubic yard, since it is roughly 145 pounds per cubic foot. This makes asphalt heavier than gravel or concrete by volume.
- How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
- Residential asphalt driveways are usually 2 to 3 inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Heavier traffic areas need 3 inches or more, often in multiple lifts.
- How much does 1 ton of asphalt cover?
- At 2 inches thick, one ton of hot mix asphalt covers roughly 80 square feet. Coverage drops as thickness increases, so calculate from your actual thickness.