Asphalt plants sell by the ton. You know the area and how thick it should be. Density connects the two.
Asphalt calculator
Enter the area and the compacted thickness.
Enter your numbers to see the result.
How it works
Tons = area (sq ft) x compacted depth (ft) x density (lb per cu ft) / 2,000.
The density box starts at 145 lb per cubic foot, close to the 2 tons per compacted cubic yard many estimators use for hot mix, but each plant’s mix is different. Replace it with your plant’s figure.
Example: a 12 x 50 ft driveway, 2 in compacted, is 100 cu ft. At 145 lb per cu ft that is 7.25 tons, or about 7.6 with 5% extra.
Frequently asked questions
How much asphalt for a 1,000 sq ft driveway?
At 2 in compacted and 145 lb per cu ft, about 12 tons.
How thick should a residential driveway be?
Ask the paving contractor; it depends on the base and the traffic.
How many square feet does a ton of asphalt cover?
At 2 in and 145 lb per cu ft, about 83 sq ft.