Asphalt is ordered by weight, in tons, not by volume, and the number depends on the thickness after compaction. This calculator converts your area and compacted depth into tons of hot-mix using the standard density, adds waste, and prices it.
How it is calculated
- Volume = length × width × compacted thickness (inches ÷ 12 to get feet).
- Add the waste allowance for edges, irregular shapes and the last few shovelfuls that never make it into the pavement.
- Weight = volume × 145 lb/ft³, the typical density of compacted hot-mix asphalt, ÷ 2,000 to get US tons. In metric: 2,322 kg/m³.
Example
A 40 × 12 ft driveway, 3 in compacted, 5% waste: 480 ft² × 0.25 ft = 120 ft³, × 1.05 = 126 ft³, × 145 = 18,270 lb, about 9.1 tons. At $110 a ton that is roughly $1,000 for material; installed, contractors typically charge $3–7 per square foot including base preparation.
The base matters more than the asphalt
Asphalt is only as good as what it sits on. A residential driveway wants 4–8 inches of compacted crushed stone under 3 inches of asphalt; skimping on base is why driveways crack and rut within a few years. If you are replacing an old driveway, the existing base can often be reused after grading and compaction. Asphalt is delivered hot and must be placed and compacted within a couple of hours, so it is ordered for a specific paving day.
Tons and cubic yards
Suppliers sometimes quote by the yard. A cubic yard of compacted hot-mix weighs about 1.95 tons; loose in the truck it is closer to 1.6 tons per yard because it compacts by about 20–25%.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of asphalt do I need?
Area in square feet × compacted thickness in feet × 145 lb/ft³ ÷ 2,000. A 500 ft² driveway at 3 inches is about 9 tons. Enter your dimensions above.
How thick should a driveway be?
3 inches compacted for a normal residential driveway on 4–8 inches of compacted stone. Go to 4 inches for heavy trucks or RVs, and 2 inches only for an overlay on sound existing pavement.
How much does asphalt cost per ton?
About $100–150 per ton for hot-mix in 2025–2026, varying with oil prices and location. Installed cost including base and labour is usually quoted per square foot, $3–7.
How much area does a ton of asphalt cover?
About 55 square feet at 3 inches thick, 80 at 2 inches, 40 at 4 inches.
Should I use tons or cubic yards?
Asphalt plants sell by the ton. If a supplier quotes yards, compacted asphalt is about 1.95 tons per cubic yard.
Sources
By Calcelate Team. Formula from the sources above.
- 2026-09-14 · Formula and texts checked