Asphalt Calculator
You need your area times the thickness in feet, times the density, divided by 2,000 to get tons. Enter the area and thickness to get tonnage and cost.
How to estimate asphalt tonnage
Multiply the area by the thickness in feet to get cubic feet, then multiply by the density — hot-mix asphalt weighs about 145 pounds per cubic foot — and divide by 2,000 to convert pounds to tons. Asphalt is ordered and priced by the ton, so tonnage is the number you give the plant.
Thickness and base
Most driveways use 2 to 3 inches of asphalt over a compacted gravel base. The base matters as much as the surface; size that aggregate with the cubic yard calculator.
Cost factors
Plant price per ton is only part of the job — delivery, base prep, and paving labor add to it. Get the tonnage right first, then layer in those local rates. For a paver driveway instead, see the paver calculator.
Frequently asked
How many tons of asphalt do I need?
Multiply area by thickness in feet to get cubic feet, multiply by about 145 lb per cubic foot, then divide by 2,000. A 40 × 20 ft driveway at 3 inches needs roughly 14.5 tons.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
Residential driveways are usually 2 to 3 inches of asphalt over a 4 to 8 inch gravel base. Heavier traffic and soft soils need more.
How much does asphalt cost per ton?
Hot-mix asphalt commonly runs $100 to $150 per ton at the plant, before delivery and paving labor. Enter your local rate for an accurate estimate.