Asphalt Calculator
Find how many tons of asphalt (blacktop) you need for a driveway, path or parking area. Enter the area and the compacted thickness, and the calculator uses the standard 145 lb per cubic foot density to give tons, volume and an optional cost.
Driveways: 2-3 in surface over a gravel base.
145 lb/ft³ is the standard estimate for compacted hot mix.
2,322 kg/m³ = 145 lb/ft³.
How to use the Asphalt Calculator
- Choose units and the shape of the area: rectangle, circle, or an area you already know.
- Enter the dimensions and the compacted thickness of the asphalt layer.
- Keep 145 lb/ft³ as the density unless your supplier gives a different value.
- Add a waste allowance and, optionally, the price per ton.
- Read the tons needed and compare other thicknesses in the table and chart.
Asphalt tonnage formula
Tons = area (sq ft) × thickness (in) ÷ 12 × 145 ÷ 2000
In metric: tonnes = area (m²) × thickness (mm) ÷ 1000 × 2.322.
Example: a 50 × 12 ft driveway, 2 in thick. Area = 600 sq ft, volume = 600 × 2 ÷ 12 = 100 cu ft, weight = 100 × 145 = 14,500 lb = 7.25 tons, or 7.61 tons with 5% waste.
A handy shortcut: each inch of asphalt over one square yard weighs about 110 lb (9 × 1/12 × 145 = 108.75 lb), which is how many pavers estimate jobs measured in square yards.
Asphalt per 1,000 square feet
| Compacted thickness | Cubic yards | US tons | Sq ft per ton |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 in | 4.63 | 9.06 | 110 |
| 2 in | 6.17 | 12.08 | 83 |
| 2.5 in | 7.72 | 15.10 | 66 |
| 3 in | 9.26 | 18.13 | 55 |
| 4 in | 12.35 | 24.17 | 41 |
| 6 in | 18.52 | 36.25 | 28 |
Based on 145 lb/ft³, no waste. Asphalt arrives loose and is compacted by rolling, so always order by compacted thickness and let your supplier or paver confirm the mix density.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate tons of asphalt?
Multiply the area in square feet by the thickness in feet (inches ÷ 12) to get cubic feet, multiply by 145 lb per cubic foot, then divide by 2,000 to get US tons. For 600 sq ft at 2 in: 600 × 2/12 = 100 cu ft × 145 = 14,500 lb = 7.25 tons.
How much does asphalt weigh?
Compacted hot mix asphalt weighs about 145 lb per cubic foot (2,322 kg/m³), or roughly 3,900 lb (1.96 tons) per cubic yard. The actual density depends on the mix and compaction and usually falls between about 140 and 150 lb/ft³.
How many square feet does a ton of asphalt cover?
At 2 inches thick, one ton covers about 83 sq ft (2000 ÷ (145 × 2/12)). At 3 inches it covers about 55 sq ft, and at 4 inches about 41 sq ft.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
Residential driveways are commonly paved with 2 to 3 inches of compacted asphalt over a well-compacted gravel base of 4 to 8 inches. Areas with heavy trucks need thicker layers designed by a paving professional.
Should I order extra asphalt?
Yes, a small allowance of about 5% covers uneven base, edges and loss during spreading and compaction. Suppliers sell by the ton, so round up.
What is the difference between a ton and a tonne?
A US (short) ton is 2,000 lb (907 kg). A metric tonne is 1,000 kg (2,204.6 lb). Asphalt is priced per short ton in the US and per tonne in most other countries.