Asphalt Calculator

Enter your paving area and the compacted asphalt thickness to estimate the tons of hot-mix asphalt needed. Asphalt is sold by the ton, so the weight is the figure to order from.

How it works

Volume is area × depth (in feet). Hot-mix asphalt weighs about 145 lb per cubic foot, so tons = cubic feet × 145 ÷ 2,000. Driveways are commonly paved 2–3 inches thick over a compacted stone base.

Worked example

A 30 ft × 10 ft driveway paved 3 inches thick: 300 sq ft × 0.25 ft = 75 cu ft, ÷ 27 = 2.78 cu yd. Hot-mix asphalt weighs about 145 lb per cubic foot, so 75 × 145 ≈ 10,875 lb, or roughly 5.4 tons. Asphalt is ordered by the ton, so round up and add a little for the edges — round to about 5.5–6 tons.

What changes your estimate

• Compacted vs. loose depth. The 3-inch figure is the finished, compacted thickness. Loose-laid asphalt is thicker before rolling, so don't under-order.
• Density varies by mix. Different aggregate blends weigh slightly more or less per cubic foot; your supplier can give the exact density for their hot mix.
• Base layer. A durable driveway needs a compacted gravel base under the asphalt — estimate that separately with the gravel or crushed-stone calculator.
• Temperature and timing. Hot mix must be laid and compacted while hot, so order it to arrive when you're ready to work, not stockpiled.

Frequently asked questions