Asphalt Calculator
Enter the length, width, and thickness of your paving area to estimate how many tons of hot-mix asphalt you need, based on the standard 145 lb/ft³ density used by suppliers.
How to calculate asphalt
Hot-mix asphalt weighs about 145 pounds per cubic foot. Multiply length × width × thickness (all in feet) to get cubic feet, multiply by 145 to get pounds, then divide by 2,000 to get US (short) tons. Thickness is usually given in inches, so divide it by 12 first.
Tons = (Length ft × Width ft × Thickness ft × 145) ÷ 2,000
Worked example
A driveway 40 ft long and 25 ft wide (1,000 ft²) paved 3 inches thick.
- Thickness = 3 in ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft
- Volume = 40 × 25 × 0.25 = 250 ft³
- Weight = 250 × 145 = 36,250 lb
- Tons = 36,250 ÷ 2,000
Result: 18.13 tons (order ~20 tons to allow 10% waste)
Frequently asked questions
How much asphalt do I need?
Multiply the length, width, and thickness of the area in feet to get cubic feet, multiply by 145 (the weight of asphalt per cubic foot), then divide by 2,000 to get tons. A 1,000 ft² area at 3 inches needs about 18 tons.
How many tons of asphalt are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard of compacted hot-mix asphalt weighs about 3,915 pounds, or roughly 1.95 tons (27 ft³ × 145 lb ÷ 2,000).
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
A residential asphalt driveway is typically 2–3 inches of asphalt over a 4–8 inch gravel base. Heavier loads (RVs, trucks) call for 3–4 inches.
How much extra asphalt should I order?
Add about 10% to your calculated tonnage to cover compaction, uneven sub-base, and material lost to spillage and joints. The calculator shows this figure as 'Tons + 10% waste'.
Why does asphalt density vary?
Different mix designs and aggregates change the weight per cubic foot slightly (typically 140–150 lb/ft³). This calculator uses the industry-standard 145 lb/ft³; confirm the exact figure with your supplier for large jobs.