Asphalt Calculator
Find how many tons of asphalt you need for a driveway, parking area or repair from its size and thickness.
Free · No sign-up · Runs in your browser · Last reviewed November 2026
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About the Asphalt Calculator
Hot mix asphalt is sold by the ton, but jobs are measured in feet and inches. This asphalt calculator converts the area and compacted thickness into tons using a density of about 145 pounds per cubic foot, then adds a 10% allowance for waste and an uneven base. Use it to plan a driveway, parking lot, walkway or pothole repair.
How to use it
- Enter the length and width of the paved area in feet.
- Enter the compacted thickness in inches and your local price per ton.
- Press Calculate asphalt to see tons, cubic yards and the estimated cost.
Asphalt tonnage formula
Tons = length × width × thickness in feet × 145 ÷ 2,000. A 60 × 12 ft driveway at 2 inches is 120 cubic feet, which weighs about 8.7 tons. With 10% extra, order about 9.6 tons.
Typical thickness by use
| Use | Compacted thickness |
|---|---|
| Residential driveway | 2 to 3 inches over a compacted base |
| Light parking lot | 2 to 3 inches |
| Heavy truck traffic | 4 inches or more |
| Patch repair | Match surrounding thickness |
Tips
- A well-compacted gravel base matters as much as the asphalt layer.
- Ask the supplier about minimum loads and delivery charges.
- Asphalt cools fast, so have the crew and roller ready before the truck arrives.
Common asphalt mistakes and a second worked example
Take a two-car pad of 40 × 20 ft at 3 inches compacted. That is 200 cubic feet, or about 14.5 tons at 145 lb per cubic foot. With the 10% allowance, plan on 16.0 tons. At a hypothetical $100 per ton that is roughly $1,595 in material, before delivery and any minimum-load fee.
Mistakes that cost money
- Measuring loose thickness. Asphalt compresses under the roller, so order for the compacted depth, not the depth as laid.
- Skipping the base. A thin gravel base or soft subgrade cracks no matter how many tons you buy.
- Ignoring slope. Driveways that dip or taper need extra material at the low spots, which is where the 10% allowance goes.
- Ordering for a tiny patch. Many plants charge a short-load fee for small orders, so a pothole repair is often cheaper with cold-patch bags.
Work is generally done in warm, dry weather, since hot mix must be compacted before it cools. If you also need base stone, convert your area with the cubic yard calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of asphalt do I need for a driveway?
A 12 by 60 ft driveway at 2 inches thick needs about 8.7 tons, or roughly 9.6 tons with 10% extra.
How much does asphalt weigh per cubic foot?
Compacted hot mix asphalt weighs about 145 pounds per cubic foot, or about 2 tons per cubic yard.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
Two to three inches of compacted asphalt over a 6 to 8 inch compacted gravel base is common for homes.
How many square feet does a ton of asphalt cover?
At 2 inches thick, one ton covers about 83 square feet.
Should I add extra for waste?
Yes. Add about 5% to 10% for uneven ground, edges and compaction.
How long should new asphalt cure before I drive on it?
Most contractors ask you to keep cars off for at least 24 to 72 hours, longer in hot weather when the surface stays soft. Avoid turning the wheels while stopped for the first few weeks.
Why does my contractor's ton figure differ from the calculator's?
Mix density varies slightly by aggregate, and contractors may add for thickness variations or a thicker edge. Ask which density and allowance they used.
Last reviewed: November 2026.