Asphalt Calculator
Estimate how many tons of asphalt you need for a driveway, parking area or road, from the area and the compacted thickness.
This estimates the asphalt layer only. It does not include a gravel base, delivery, labor or equipment.
How to calculate how much asphalt you need
Work out the volume of the paved layer, then convert it to weight using the density of compacted asphalt. Suppliers sell hot-mix asphalt by the ton, so weight is the number you need.
- Area = length × width, in feet.
- Volume in cubic feet = area × thickness in feet (inches ÷ 12).
- Weight in pounds = volume × density. A common figure for compacted hot-mix asphalt is about 145 lb per cubic foot.
- Tons = pounds ÷ 2,000.
Tons = length (ft) × width (ft) × thickness (in) ÷ 12 × 145 ÷ 2,000
ExampleA driveway 40 ft long and 12 ft wide, paved 2 inches thick. Area = 480 sq ft. Volume = 480 × (2 ÷ 12) = 80 cu ft, or 2.96 cubic yards. Weight = 80 × 145 = 11,600 lb = 5.8 tons. Adding 5% for waste gives about 6.09 tons.
Tons of asphalt for common driveway sizes
Figures use 145 lb per cubic foot and do not include waste.
| Driveway size (ft) | Area | Tons at 2 in | Tons at 3 in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 20 | 200 sq ft | 2.4 | 3.6 |
| 12 × 25 | 300 sq ft | 3.6 | 5.4 |
| 12 × 40 | 480 sq ft | 5.8 | 8.7 |
| 12 × 50 | 600 sq ft | 7.2 | 10.9 |
| 16 × 40 | 640 sq ft | 7.7 | 11.6 |
| 20 × 50 | 1,000 sq ft | 12.1 | 18.1 |
How far one ton of asphalt goes
| Compacted thickness | Coverage per ton |
|---|---|
| 1.5 inches | about 110 sq ft |
| 2 inches | about 83 sq ft |
| 3 inches | about 55 sq ft |
| 4 inches | about 41 sq ft |
Another way to say the same thing: at this density, asphalt weighs about 109 lb per square yard for each inch of thickness.
Choosing a thickness
Thickness depends on how the surface will be used, the base underneath and local practice. Light residential driveways are often paved thinner than parking lots or surfaces that carry heavy vehicles, and some jobs use more than one layer. Ask your paving contractor or local supplier what they recommend, because soil, climate and traffic all matter.
What this estimate leaves out
- The base. Most asphalt is laid over a compacted aggregate base, which is calculated separately. The cubic yard calculator can help with that.
- Labor, equipment and delivery. The cost shown is for material only, using the price per ton you enter.
- Site conditions. Slopes, edges and an uneven base all change how much material goes down, which is why a waste allowance is useful.
About the density figure
145 lb per cubic foot is a reasonable default for compacted hot-mix asphalt, but mixes vary. If your supplier or contractor gives a density or a weight per cubic yard for their mix, enter it in the calculator to match their numbers.
Results are estimates based on the numbers you enter. Confirm quantities with your supplier, installer or contractor before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
How much area does one ton of asphalt cover?
At a density of 145 lb per cubic foot, one ton covers about 83 square feet at 2 inches thick, 55 square feet at 3 inches and 41 square feet at 4 inches.
What density should I use?
145 lb per cubic foot is a reasonable default for compacted hot-mix asphalt. Mixes vary, so if your supplier gives a different figure, enter that instead.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
It depends on the traffic, the base and local practice. Light residential driveways are often paved thinner than parking lots or surfaces that carry heavy vehicles. Your paving contractor can recommend a thickness for your site.
How many cubic yards is a ton of asphalt?
At 145 lb per cubic foot, one cubic yard weighs about 3,915 lb, so a ton is roughly 0.51 cubic yards.
Does this include the gravel base?
No. Most asphalt jobs also need a compacted aggregate base, which is calculated separately.
Why add a waste percentage?
Edges are uneven, the base is never perfectly level, and some material is lost during laying and compaction.
What does asphalt cost?
Prices per ton change by region, season and mix. Enter your supplier’s price per ton to see an estimated material cost.