Asphalt Calculator

Tonnage = area × thickness × density. A 60 × 20 ft driveway (1,200 sq ft / 111 m²) at 3 in (75 mm) is about 11.1 yd³ (8.5 m³) of mix; at roughly 2.4 t/m³ (about 145–150 lb/ft³) that is close to 22 US tons (20 t) — order around 23 US tons with a 5% waste allowance. The calculator does the unit conversions and the allowance for you.

About 2 US tons per cubic yard of compacted hot-mix asphalt (roughly 2.4 tonnes per m³), because asphalt weighs around 145–150 lb per cubic foot. So 10 yd³ is about 20 US tons. Densities vary a little by mix and aggregate — your supplier can give the exact figure for their product.

For a residential driveway, 2–3 in (50–75 mm) of compacted asphalt over a 4–8 in (100–200 mm) compacted aggregate base. Parking lots and roads carrying heavier loads use 4 in (100 mm) or more, often placed in two lifts. The base thickness matters as much as the asphalt — this calculator sizes the asphalt; size the base with the gravel calculator.

Hot-mix asphalt is usually priced per ton delivered, plus paving labor and the base. Enter your delivered price per ton and the calculator multiplies it by the tonnage for a material cost estimate. Small jobs often carry a minimum-load charge, so a part-load can be priced as a full one — worth asking before you order.

Hot-mix asphalt (HMA) is laid hot and compacted before it cools — it is the standard for new driveways and lots and gives the most durable surface. Cold mix is used for patching potholes and small repairs in cool weather; it is a little lighter and less dense. Pick the matching density in the calculator so the tonnage is right.