Asphalt Calculator
Calculate the tons of hot mix asphalt for a driveway or parking lot from its size and thickness, plus the crushed stone base, truckloads and total cost. Example: a 10 by 20 foot area 3 inches thick needs 3.63 tons of asphalt.
Show steps
How to use the Asphalt Calculator
- Enter the length and width of the paved area and choose the unit.
- Enter the asphalt thickness, base depth and density (145 lb per cubic foot is standard).
- Add prices per ton if you want a cost estimate, then press Calculate.
Formula and method
Volume (cu ft) = length x width x thickness in feet. Asphalt tons = volume x density (lb per cubic foot) / 2,000. Hot mix asphalt averages 145 lb per cubic foot, about 1.96 tons per cubic yard. Base stone is roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard with 15% allowed for compaction.
Worked example: 10 x 20 ft, 3 inches thick
| Step | Result |
|---|---|
| Volume (200 sq ft x 0.25 ft) | 50 cu ft |
| Weight (50 x 145 lb) | 7,250 lb |
| Tons | 3.63 |
| 4 inch stone base (200 x 0.333 x 1.15 / 27 x 1.4) | 3.98 tons |
Asphalt needed for common driveways (3 inches thick)
| Driveway | Area | Tons of asphalt | Base stone (4 in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 x 20 ft | 240 sq ft | 4.3 | 4.8 tons |
| 12 x 40 ft | 480 sq ft | 8.7 | 9.5 tons |
| 20 x 20 ft | 400 sq ft | 7.3 | 8.0 tons |
| 24 x 24 ft | 576 sq ft | 10.4 | 11.4 tons |
| 20 x 50 ft | 1000 sq ft | 18.1 | 19.9 tons |
Recommended thickness by use
| Use | Asphalt thickness | Stone base |
|---|---|---|
| Residential driveway | 2 to 3 in | 4 to 6 in |
| Cold climate driveway | 3 to 4 in | 6 to 8 in |
| Light-duty parking lot | 3 to 4 in | 6 to 8 in |
| Heavy truck traffic | 5 to 8 in | 8 to 12 in |
Planning the job
Hot mix asphalt must be laid and rolled while hot, so order the right amount for delivery on paving day. Add a tack coat between layers, slope the surface for drainage and let new asphalt cure for several days before driving on it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate how much asphalt I need?
Multiply length, width and thickness (in feet) for cubic feet, then multiply by 145 and divide by 2,000 for tons.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
2 to 3 inches for a typical residential driveway, thicker for heavy loads or cold climates.
How many tons of asphalt per square foot?
At 3 inches thick, about 0.018 tons per square foot, or 55 square feet per ton.
How much does a ton of asphalt cost?
Hot mix commonly runs about $80 to $150 per ton for materials, depending on region and mix.
How much does a cubic yard of asphalt weigh?
About 3,900 pounds, or close to 2 tons.
Do I need a stone base?
Yes. A compacted 4 to 8 inch crushed stone base supports the asphalt and drains water.
Sources
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