What Is Asphalt
Asphalt is a widely used construction material made from a mix of aggregates like sand, crushed stone, and gravel bound together with asphalt cement, a petroleum-based substance known as bitumen.
It’s commonly used in road construction, driveways, and paving due to its strength, durability, and ability to withstand various weather conditions.
Common Types of Asphalt
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) is the standard for most roads and driveways and is applied at high temperatures for strength and durability. Porous Asphalt allows for water infiltration, reducing puddles and improving drainage. Asphalt Concrete is a hardened mix used in load-bearing surfaces like highways and industrial lots. Bitumen-Based Products are typically used in waterproofing and sealing applications.
Proper compaction is essential to the strength and longevity of asphalt. Once applied, it must be rolled and leveled to prevent cracks, puddle formation, and settlement over time.
What Is an Asphalt Calculator
The Infinity Calculator Asphalt Calculator helps you estimate the amount of hot mix asphalt required for your project—whether you're paving a driveway, walkway, or larger surface. Based on your inputs, the calculator shows the total volume of asphalt needed, the total weight in tons and pounds (or kilograms/tonnes), and the estimated material cost if you provide a cost per unit.
This tool supports both imperial and metric units, making it easy for anyone to get accurate results regardless of location or measurement preference.
How To Use the Infinity Calculator Asphalt Calculator
Our asphalt calculator is fast and simple to use. Just enter your area’s dimensions, choose your preferred units, and (optionally) add material cost. The results update instantly after clicking "Calculate."
Step 1: Enter Area Information
- Width: The width of the area to cover (in feet, inches, yards, meters, or centimeters)
- Length: The length of the area (unit options are the same as width)
- Depth: The thickness of the asphalt layer (in inches by default, but you can change this unit)
- Cost (optional): The price of hot mix asphalt per ton, tonne, pound, or kilogram depending on your supplier
Unit selectors next to each input let you switch between imperial and metric measurements.
Step 2: Analyze Data
After entering your construction area information and pressing the Calculate button, the tool provides useful results: hotmix asphalt required (displayed in cubic yards and cubic feet, or cubic meters for metric users), asphalt weight (shown in tons and pounds, or tonnes and kilograms), and asphalt cost (calculated only if a unit cost is entered).
If you skip the cost input, the calculator will still provide accurate material requirements without a cost breakdown.
Applications and Uses of Asphalt
Common Uses
Asphalt is commonly used in driveways due to its smooth finish and long lifespan. Roads and highways are built using dense-graded mixes and hot mix asphalt for heavy-duty wear. Parking lots are designed for load-bearing and high traffic, often sealed with asphalt sealer. It’s also used for pathways and pavements in parks, schools, and sidewalks because of its flexibility and ease of application. Roofing and waterproofing applications often use bituminous waterproofing products, roofing felt, and protective membranes. For stormwater management, porous asphalt allows water to drain through, reducing runoff and erosion.
Specialized Mixes
Driveway mix asphalt is tailored for residential traffic and lower load weights. Cold mix asphalt is used for quick repairs or temporary patches. Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) is an eco-friendly option that recycles old asphalt for new projects. Asphalt concrete mixtures are engineered for enhanced strength and surface performance in demanding applications.
Cost Estimation for Asphalt Projects
Key Cost Components
Asphalt is typically priced per ton, using standard density assumptions. Material type also affects pricing—hot mix, warm mix, and asphalt concrete have different costs. Delivery charges from your contractor or supplier may vary based on distance and quantity ordered. Larger projects may benefit from bulk discounts, while smaller jobs like residential driveways might incur minimum service fees. Additional products like bitumen sealant, blacktop coatings, or mix-in modifiers will increase total cost. Using an asphalt driveway cost calculator helps refine your budget. Always check with local suppliers for current prices.
Factors Affecting Asphalt Quantity
Common Influencing Factors
Several factors can impact how much asphalt you’ll need. Compaction rates cause asphalt to compress during installation, which is why the calculator includes a density-based adjustment. Climate and temperature may affect how well asphalt spreads and its final thickness. The type of base material matters too—stable bases like gravel may need less asphalt than unstable or loose substrates. Poor surface preparation, like debris or uneven areas, may increase the material requirement. Including a tack coat may also influence bonding and coverage. Traffic load matters as well; high-traffic zones require thicker layers. Finally, modifiers or recycled additives may change the behavior and volume needed compared to standard mixes.
Guidelines and Considerations for Asphalt Application
Best Practices Before Application
Before applying asphalt, inspect the surface to ensure it's stable and clean. Select the right asphalt type—hot mix for roads, porous asphalt for drainage, or cold mix for quick repairs. Make sure the asphalt thickness suits the expected traffic load; heavier use demands a thicker application.
During and After Installation
During installation, use rollers to ensure proper compaction and prevent puddle formation. Monitor the temperature closely—hot mix must be applied while still workable. In areas where precision is needed, use bitumen sealant to ensure seamless transitions and edge protection. Remember that asphalt may settle slightly over time, so don’t underestimate the required depth.
Following these best practices improves the durability and performance of your asphalt surface while minimizing the risk of costly repairs.