Enter the size of your driveway or path and how thick the asphalt will be. The calculator gives you tons of asphalt, cubic yards and an estimated cost.
Extra for compaction and waste and cost
Weights are typical for dry, loose material. Your supplier's figure may differ slightly.
Asphalt formula
Asphalt is sold by the ton, so the calculator works out the volume and converts it to weight. Compacted hot mix asphalt weighs about 145 pounds per cubic foot, or about 1.96 tons per cubic yard.
- Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × thickness (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27
- Tons = cubic yards × 1.96
A quick rule of thumb used by many contractors: about 110 pounds of asphalt per square yard for every inch of thickness.
Worked example
A 50 ft × 12 ft driveway, 3 inches thick:
- 50 × 12 = 600 square feet
- 600 × 3 ÷ 12 = 150 cubic feet, or 5.56 cubic yards
- 5.56 × 1.96 = 10.9 tons
- With 5 percent extra for compaction and waste: about 11.4 tons
How much area does a ton of asphalt cover?
| Thickness | 1 ton covers about | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 83 sq ft | Paths, overlays on a sound surface |
| 3 in | 55 sq ft | Most residential driveways |
| 4 in | 41 sq ft | Heavier vehicles, busy parking areas |
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
A residential driveway commonly has 2 to 3 inches of compacted asphalt on top of 4 to 8 inches of compacted gravel base. Driveways for heavy trucks or RVs need more of both. The base does most of the work, so a thin layer of asphalt on a weak base will crack no matter how good the asphalt is. The gravel driveway calculator works out the base layers.
Hot mix, cold patch or millings?
- Hot mix asphalt comes from a plant and must be laid and rolled while hot, so new driveways are normally done by a contractor with a paver and roller.
- Cold patch comes in bags and is for filling potholes and small repairs, not for whole driveways.
- Asphalt millings are recycled, ground-up asphalt. They cost less and pack down firmly, but don’t give the smooth finish of new hot mix. Their weight varies, so if your supplier gives a figure, choose “Custom weight” and enter it.
Tips for a longer-lasting driveway
- Get the base right first: well compacted and sloped so water drains off.
- Give the surface a slight slope or crown so rain doesn’t pool.
- Keep heavy vehicles off fresh asphalt for the first few days, especially in hot weather.
- Many contractors suggest waiting several months before the first sealcoat, then resealing every few years.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of asphalt do I need?
Multiply length × width × thickness in inches, divide by 12 and then by 27 to get cubic yards, then multiply by 1.96. A 600 square foot driveway at 3 inches needs about 11 tons with a little extra.
How much does a ton of asphalt cover?
About 55 square feet at 3 inches thick, or 83 square feet at 2 inches.
How much does a cubic yard of asphalt weigh?
About 1.96 tons, based on compacted hot mix at around 145 pounds per cubic foot.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
Usually 2 to 3 inches of compacted asphalt over 4 to 8 inches of compacted base, and more for heavy vehicles.
Is asphalt or concrete better for a driveway?
Asphalt usually costs less up front and copes well with freeze and thaw, but needs sealing every few years. Concrete costs more but lasts longer with less upkeep. The concrete cost calculator helps you compare.
Results are estimates for planning. Weights are typical for compacted hot mix asphalt. See How We Calculate for the formulas and values we use.