Asphalt Calculator
Enter the length, width and thickness of the paved area to see how many cubic yards and tons of asphalt to order. Add a waste allowance and a price per ton to estimate the cost.
Last updated November 4, 2026
Typical compacted hot mix is about 145. Use your supplier’s figure if you have it.
Result
Asphalt needed = 6.09 tons
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Volume (cubic yards) | 2.963 |
| Weight (tons, before waste) | 5.8 |
| Order with 5% waste (tons) | 6.09 |
| Order with 5% waste (cubic yards) | 3.11 |
Tons are US short tons (2,000 lb). Density is a typical value; real mixes and compaction vary, so confirm with your supplier.
Show the work
Formula: tons = length × width × thickness ÷ 12 × density ÷ 2,000, then add waste.
- Length 40 ft and width 12 ft.
- Volume: 40 × 12 × 2 ÷ 12 = 80 cubic feet = 2.963 cubic yards (÷ 27).
- Weight: 80 × 145 lb = 11,600 lb ÷ 2,000 = 5.8 tons.
- Add 5% waste: 5.8 × 1.05 = 6.09 tons, shown as 6.09 tons (3.11 cubic yards).
- Steps show rounded values; the calculator keeps full precision, so re-multiplying the rounded numbers can differ in the last digit.
Result: Asphalt needed = 6.09 tons
How the asphalt amount is worked out
volume = length × width × thickness ÷ 12
tons = volume × density ÷ 2,000
Length and width are in feet and thickness is in inches, so dividing by 12 gives cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards. Meters are converted to feet first by dividing by 0.3048.
Weight is volume times density, and a US short ton is 2,000 lb. Waste is added as a percentage on top, then the cost is the tons to order times the price per ton.
See how we calculate for the formulas, sources and review schedule behind every calculator.
Choosing a thickness
The thickness here is the compacted depth. Loose hot mix settles when it is rolled, so suppliers and installers often plan on a little extra. The waste field is a simple way to cover that and edge losses.
How to use the Asphalt Calculator
- Choose feet or meters and enter the length and width.
- Enter the compacted thickness in inches and check the density.
- Add a waste percentage and, if you like, a price per ton.
- Read the volume, tons and cost, then Copy, Print or Share.
Worked example
A driveway 40 ft long and 12 ft wide is 480 square feet. At 2 inches thick the volume is 480 × 2 ÷ 12 = 80 cubic feet, or 2.963 cubic yards. At 145 lb per cubic foot it weighs 11,600 lb, or 5.8 tons. With 5% waste you order 6.09 tons, which is $609 at $100 a ton.
| Thickness | Cubic yards | Tons | Order tons | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 2.963 | 5.800 | 6.09 | $609.00 |
| 3 in | 4.444 | 8.700 | 9.13 | $913.50 |
| 4 in | 5.926 | 11.600 | 12.18 | $1,218.00 |
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of asphalt do I need per square foot?
At 145 lb per cubic foot, one inch over one square foot weighs about 12.1 lb, so a 2 inch layer needs roughly 0.012 tons per square foot.
How thick should a driveway of asphalt be?
It depends on traffic and the base underneath. Ask a local paving contractor; this calculator only converts the thickness you choose into volume and weight.
Why is the density an adjustable field?
Hot-mix density varies with the aggregate, binder and compaction. 145 lb per cubic foot is a typical value, so replace it with your supplier’s number for a tighter estimate.
Are the tons metric or US tons?
They are US short tons of 2,000 lb. Multiply by 0.9072 to convert to metric tonnes.