Asphalt Calculator

About this asphalt calculator

Asphalt tonnage is one formula: area × thickness × 145 lb per cubic foot, divided by 2,000. The 145 lb/ft³ figure is the standard in-place density for compacted hot-mix asphalt (the Asphalt Institute range is 142–148). Thickness is the input that swings the answer most: doubling thickness from 2 to 4 inches doubles the tons, which is why the coverage per ton — about 83 sq ft at 2 inches, 55 at 3, 41 at 4 — is worth checking before you order. Our asphalt guide covers thickness choices, base prep, and hot-mix vs cold-mix.

Three inches of compacted asphalt over a 4–8 inch crushed-stone base is the standard residential starting point; 2 inches works only as an overlay on sound existing pavement or for very light use, and heavy vehicles or freeze-thaw climates push toward 4 inches. What you enter here is compacted depth — the loose layer the paver lays down is thicker before the roller gets to it, so do not inflate the number for compaction; the waste allowance covers edges and compaction losses.

For small jobs, compare bagged cold-mix against a plant order: cold-mix is only for patches and temporary repairs (it lasts 1–3 years), while a plant's hot-mix minimums and delivery fees can make a tiny driveway disproportionately expensive per ton. Get two or three delivered prices before committing — regional material prices run roughly $90–$200 per ton in 2026.

How to use

1. Measure your driveway length and width in feet (for L-shapes, split into rectangles and add the areas).
2. Enter the compacted asphalt thickness in inches — 3 inches is the standard residential depth.
3. Pick a waste and compaction allowance (5% is standard) and optionally a price per ton.
4. Press Calculate for cubic yards, tons, coverage, and cost.

Good to know

• Rectangular areas only — irregular driveways should be split into rectangles and added.
• Density is fixed at 145 lb per cubic foot; if your supplier quotes a different density, scale the tonnage proportionally.
• Material estimate only — base stone, edging, labor, delivery, and sealcoating are separate costs. Installed driveways typically run $3–$12 per sq ft depending on region and scope.