Landscape & Aggregates

Asphalt Calculator

This asphalt calculator estimates tons of hot-mix for a driveway or lot; our driveway installation guide compares asphalt, gravel and concrete. Hot-mix asphalt is ordered by the ton. Multiply the area by the compacted thickness to get volume, then by the mix density — commonly about 145 lb per cubic foot, though your plant may use a different figure. Residential driveways are often paved 2–3 in thick over a compacted aggregate base.

Results from this asphalt calculator are planning estimates; confirm quantities and prices with your supplier or contractor before you order.

Your results will appear here

Enter your measurements and press Calculate. Defaults show a typical example.

How to use the asphalt calculator

Enter driveway length and width.
Enter the compacted thickness (2–3 in is common for residential surface courses).
Use your plant's density and price per ton.

Formula

Tons = area (sq ft) × thickness (in) ÷ 12 × density (lb/ft³) ÷ 2,000 × (1 + waste).

Worked example

A 50 × 12 ft driveway at 2 in: 600 × 0.1667 = 100 ft³ × 145 ÷ 2,000 = 7.25 tons, or 7.6 tons with 5% waste.

Tips for using the asphalt calculator

Use compacted thickness, typically 2–3 in for residential driveways over a good base.
Ask the plant for its mix density; it changes the tonnage you order.
The base matters more than the asphalt: poor drainage or a thin base causes early cracking.
Plan paving for warm, dry weather; hot-mix asphalt cools quickly, and laying it on cold or wet days makes proper compaction difficult and shortens the life of the driveway.