How much asphalt do I need?
Multiply the area by the compacted thickness to get cubic feet. Multiply by the density to get pounds, then divide by 2,000 for tons. Asphalt plants sell by the ton, so tons is the number you order.
Tons = length (ft) × width (ft) × thickness (in) ÷ 12 × density (lb/cu ft) ÷ 2,000
A 50 × 12 ft driveway at 3 inches: 50 × 12 × 3 ÷ 12 = 150 cubic feet. At 145 lb per cubic foot that's 21,750 lb, or 10.9 tons. Add 5% for edges and uneven base and you need 11.4 tons, so order 11.5.
Asphalt calculator tons: quick reference
At a typical hot mix density of 145 lb per cubic foot, one inch of asphalt over one square yard weighs about 110 lb. That's the rule of thumb many paving crews use.
| Compacted thickness | Tons per 100 sq ft | Tons per 1,000 sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 0.60 | 6.0 |
| 2 in | 1.21 | 12.1 |
| 3 in | 1.81 | 18.1 |
| 4 in | 2.42 | 24.2 |
Figures are for hot mix at 145 lb per cubic foot, before waste.
Hot mix asphalt calculator
Compacted hot mix typically weighs 140 to 150 lb per cubic foot, depending on the mix design and aggregate. The calculator starts at 145. If your plant gives you a different figure, type it into the density field.
Residential driveways are typically 2 to 3 inches of compacted hot mix over a compacted gravel base. Heavier traffic, soft soil or trucks call for more. Enter the compacted thickness, not the loose depth the paver lays down.
Crushed asphalt calculator
Crushed asphalt, also called millings or RAP, is old pavement ground up and reused as a cheaper driveway or parking surface. It's lighter than new hot mix and compacts a lot, so the calculator uses 120 lb per cubic foot compacted and adds 15% extra. Millings vary from load to load. Ask your supplier what they weigh, and use their number.
Spread millings in lifts and roll each one. They bind together better in warm weather.
Cold patch for small repairs
Cold patch comes in bags, typically 50 lb, and is meant for potholes and cracks. Pick "Cold patch" and enter the patch area and depth, and the calculator gives you the number of bags. Compact it with a tamper or a car tire. For anything more than a few patches, hot mix is far cheaper per ton.
Asphalt calculator square feet to tons
If you already know the square footage, choose "I know sq ft" on the area and type it in. Add each section of a job, such as a driveway and a parking pad, as its own area. They're totalled into one order.
Pricing an asphalt job
Paving contractors usually price by the ton or the square yard, with base prep, trucking and equipment on top. Plants often have a minimum order, and small jobs carry a higher price per ton. Switch to contractor mode to add your labor and markup, add the base stone from the gravel calculator, and send it as an estimate.
Questions
How many square feet does a ton of asphalt cover?
At 2 inches thick, about 83 square feet. At 3 inches, about 55 square feet. That's based on hot mix at 145 lb per cubic foot.
How much does a cubic yard of asphalt weigh?
About 3,900 lb, or just under 2 tons, at a typical compacted density of 145 lb per cubic foot.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
Residential driveways are typically 2 to 3 inches of compacted hot mix over a compacted gravel base. Heavier use needs more.
Is crushed asphalt lighter than hot mix?
Yes. Millings are typically lighter than new hot mix and compact more. The calculator uses 120 lb per cubic foot compacted. Ask your supplier for their figure.