Updated on September 2nd, 2025

Asphalt Calculator

Created By Jehan Wadia


Asphalt Tonnage Calculator Results
Hotmix Asphalt Required 0.049 yd3 (1.333 ft3)
Asphalt Weight 0.097 tons (193.277 lbs)
Asphalt Cost $5.8

Introduction

The Asphalt Calculator helps you figure out how much asphalt you need for your paving project. Whether you're paving a driveway, parking lot, or road, this tool makes it easy to know the right amount of material to order.

Simply enter the width, length, and depth of the area you want to pave. The calculator will tell you how much asphalt you need in cubic yards or cubic meters. It also shows you the weight of the asphalt in tons or tonnes. If you know the price per ton, you can add that too, and the calculator will show you the total cost.

This tool works with different units like feet, inches, yards, centimeters, and meters. You can switch between imperial and metric measurements to see results in the format you prefer. Getting the right amount of asphalt saves money and prevents waste on your construction project.

How to use our Asphalt Calculator

Enter your area measurements and cost to find out how much asphalt you need and what it will cost.

Width: Type the width of the area you want to pave. Pick the unit (feet, inches, yards, centimeters, or meters) from the dropdown menu.

Length: Type the length of the area you want to pave. Choose your unit of measurement from the dropdown menu.

Depth: Type how thick you want your asphalt layer to be. This is usually 2 to 4 inches for driveways. Select your unit from the dropdown menu.

Cost: Type the price of asphalt per ton, pound, tonne, or kilogram in your area. Pick the matching unit from the dropdown menu. Leave this blank if you only want to know the amount needed.

Calculate button: Click this button to see your results. The calculator will show you the volume of asphalt needed, its weight in tons, and the total cost.

Reset button: Click this button to clear all fields and start over with default values.

Imperial/Metric toggle: After calculating, use these buttons to switch your results between imperial units (yards, tons, pounds) and metric units (meters, tonnes, kilograms).

Understanding Asphalt for Paving Projects

Asphalt is a black, sticky material made from petroleum that we use to build roads, driveways, and parking lots. When mixed with small rocks and sand, it becomes the smooth, hard surface you drive on every day. This mixture is called hot mix asphalt because workers heat it up before spreading it.

To figure out how much asphalt you need for a project, you must know three things: the width, length, and depth of the area you want to pave. The depth, or thickness, is very important. Most driveways need about 2 to 3 inches of asphalt, while roads might need 4 inches or more. Thicker asphalt lasts longer and can handle heavier vehicles. For similar calculations with other construction materials, you might find our Concrete Calculator useful for foundations or our Epoxy Calculator for coating projects.

Asphalt is usually sold by weight, measured in tons. One cubic yard of asphalt weighs about 2 tons. This is important to know because trucks can only carry a certain amount of weight. The price of asphalt changes based on oil prices and where you live, but it typically costs between $40 and $80 per ton.

When planning an asphalt project, remember that the ground underneath must be properly prepared first. You need a solid base of gravel or crushed stone. Without a good base, your new asphalt can crack or sink. Also, asphalt must be laid when the weather is warm and dry. Cold or wet weather makes it hard for the asphalt to stick together properly.


Frequently Asked Questions

How thick should asphalt be for a driveway?

A driveway needs 2 to 3 inches of asphalt for normal cars. If you have heavy trucks or RVs, use 3 to 4 inches. The thicker the asphalt, the longer it will last.

How much does asphalt weigh?

One cubic yard of asphalt weighs about 2 tons. One cubic meter weighs about 2.3 tonnes. The calculator uses these numbers to figure out the total weight for your project.

What temperature is needed to lay asphalt?

You need warm, dry weather to lay asphalt. The air should be at least 50°F (10°C) and rising. The ground should also be warm and dry. Never lay asphalt when it's raining or about to rain.

How do I measure an odd-shaped area?

Break the odd shape into squares or rectangles. Calculate each section separately using the calculator. Then add all the amounts together to get your total asphalt needed.

Why does the calculator ask for depth in inches?

Most asphalt jobs use inches for depth because the layers are thin. Common depths are 2, 3, or 4 inches. You can change to other units like feet or centimeters if you want.

What's the difference between tons and tonnes?

A ton is used in the US and equals 2,000 pounds. A tonne is metric and equals 1,000 kilograms or about 2,204 pounds. The calculator can show both.

How much extra asphalt should I order?

Order 5 to 10% extra asphalt to be safe. This covers small mistakes in measuring and waste. It's better to have a little extra than to run out during your project.

Can I use this calculator for asphalt repair patches?

Yes! Measure the width and length of the hole or crack. For the depth, measure how deep the damage goes. The calculator works for any size job, big or small.


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