Estimate how many tons of asphalt you need for a driveway, parking area or path. Enter the area and compacted thickness and this asphalt calculator returns tons, cubic yards and an optional cost estimate.
Asphalt formula
Tons = Area (sq ft) × Thickness (in) ÷ 12 × Density (lb/cu ft) ÷ 2,000
Hot mix asphalt typically weighs about 145 lb per cubic foot once compacted. Your supplier can confirm the exact density of their mix.
Example
A 12 × 50 ft driveway (600 sq ft) paved 3 inches thick: 600 × 0.25 = 150 cubic feet. 150 × 145 ÷ 2,000 = 10.9 tons. Add about 5% for waste and edges, so about 11.4 tons.
How much area does one ton of asphalt cover?
| Compacted thickness | Approx. coverage per ton |
|---|---|
| 2 inches | 83 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 55 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 41 sq ft |
Based on 145 lb/cu ft. Actual coverage varies with the mix and compaction.
How thick should a driveway be?
Residential driveways are commonly paved 2 to 3 inches thick over a compacted aggregate base. Areas with heavy vehicles need thicker sections. Ask a local paving contractor for a recommendation for your soil and traffic.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert cubic yards of asphalt to tons?
Multiply cubic yards by 27 to get cubic feet, then by the density (about 145 lb), then divide by 2,000. One cubic yard is about 1.96 tons.
Is the cost estimate accurate?
It covers material only, using the price per ton you enter. Labor, base preparation and delivery are extra.