How much asphalt you need
Asphalt is ordered by weight. Find the volume, then convert with density: tons = length × width × (depth ÷ 12) × 145 ÷ 2000, using about 145 lb per cubic foot for hot-mix asphalt. A 20 ft × 10 ft area at 2 inches deep is 33.3 cubic feet, or about 2.4 tons. Irregular driveways are easier to measure first with the square footage calculator.
How to use this calculator
Enter the length and width in feet and the depth in inches. The result shows tons plus cubic yards and cubic feet. For irregular areas, split into rectangles and add the results. Suppliers quote in cubic yards, which the square feet to cubic yards calculator converts.
Recommended asphalt depth
Typical compacted asphalt thickness: 2–3 inches for a residential driveway surface over a solid base, and 3–4 inches or more for areas with heavier vehicles. Most driveways also need a compacted aggregate base beneath the asphalt — calculate that separately with the gravel calculator.
Order a little extra
Asphalt compacts during rolling and some is lost in handling, so add about 5–10% to your estimate. Density varies by mix — confirm the exact figure with your supplier, since it changes the tonnage.
Asphalt also needs a warm, dry day and a properly compacted base: hot mix laid over soft or frozen ground will rut no matter how accurate your tonnage was. If the driveway is paved in two lifts, calculate each lift separately and add the tonnages together.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I calculate tons of asphalt?
- Multiply length × width × depth in feet for cubic feet, multiply by 145 lb, then divide by 2000. A 20×10 ft area at 2 inches deep is about 2.4 tons.
- How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
- Usually 2–3 inches of compacted asphalt for cars, over a solid aggregate base. Use more for heavier vehicles.
- How much does asphalt weigh?
- Hot-mix asphalt weighs roughly 145 lb per cubic foot, or about 2 tons per cubic yard. Density varies by mix.
- Should I order extra asphalt?
- Yes — add about 5–10% for compaction and handling loss so you don't run short mid-job.
- How many cubic yards is a ton of asphalt?
- Roughly half a cubic yard, since hot-mix asphalt runs about 2 tons per cubic yard. If a supplier quotes you cubic yards, multiply by 2 for an approximate tonnage, then confirm the mix density.