Asphalt Calculator
How much asphalt do you need? Enter area and thickness for tons and cost.
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Area—
Cubic feet—
Estimated cost—
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How this calculator works
It calculates the volume of asphalt from your area and thickness, then converts to tons using a compacted hot-mix weight of about 145 lb per cubic foot.
Worked example — a 40 ft × 12 ft driveway at 3 inches:
480 sq ft × (3 ÷ 12) = 120 cubic feet × 145 ÷ 2000 = 8.7 tons.
Compacted vs. loose
Asphalt is ordered by weight and compacts as it’s rolled. This estimate is for the finished compacted thickness — the standard way suppliers quote.
Frequently asked questions
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
A residential driveway is usually 2–3 inches of asphalt over a 4–8 inch gravel base.
How much does a ton of asphalt cover?
At 2 inches thick, one ton covers roughly 80 sq ft.
Planning an outdoor project
Outdoor quantities vary with site shape, access, drainage, soil conditions, and local material availability. Break irregular areas into simple sections, confirm the product specification with your supplier, and check permits or utility requirements before starting work.
How to use this estimate
- Measure the project in the units shown and recheck your measurements before ordering.
- Use the waste allowance as a planning buffer, not as a substitute for a detailed material takeoff.
- Compare the result with the package yield, coverage, or weight listed by your supplier.
- Prices are user-entered estimates and may change by location, product, delivery, and season.
Accuracy and limitations
Calculapedia provides educational planning estimates. It does not inspect your site, select products, guarantee quantities, or replace a contractor, engineer, architect, building official, or supplier. Confirm the final quantity and any safety or code requirements before buying or building.