Asphalt Calculator - Calculate Tons and Cubic Yards Needed

Calculate how much asphalt you need for your driveway, parking lot, or paving project with our free asphalt calculator. Get instant results in tons, cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic meters.

Results:

Volume needed:
0 cubic yards
0 cubic feet
0 cubic meters

Tip: For residential driveways, 2-3 inches of asphalt over a 4-6 inch gravel base is standard.

How Much Asphalt Do I Need?

The amount of asphalt you need depends on: 1. Project area - Length and width of the surface to be paved 2. Asphalt thickness - Typically 2-4 inches for driveways, more for heavy traffic 3. Base preparation - Proper base is essential for longevity

How to Use the Asphalt Calculator

This calculator provides two methods to calculate your asphalt needs:

Option 1: By Dimensions

Enter the length, width, and desired thickness of your asphalt surface. Perfect for driveways, parking areas, or paths.

Option 2: By Area

If you already know the square footage of your area, simply enter that value along with your desired asphalt thickness.

Note: In the calculator, "Depth" refers to asphalt thickness.

Recommended Asphalt Thickness by Application

Different projects require different asphalt thicknesses:

  • Residential driveways: 2-3 inches (over proper base)
  • Commercial driveways: 3-4 inches
  • Light-duty parking lots: 3-4 inches
  • Heavy-duty parking lots: 4-6 inches
  • City streets (residential): 3-4 inches
  • Major roads/highways: 6-12+ inches (multiple layers)
  • Pathways/sidewalks: 2 inches
  • Repairs/overlays: 1.5-2 inches minimum

Understanding Asphalt Measurements

Tons

Asphalt is typically ordered by the ton (weight): - Hot mix asphalt weighs approximately 145 pounds per cubic foot - 1 ton (2,000 lbs) of asphalt covers: - 80 square feet at 2 inches thick - 53 square feet at 3 inches thick - 40 square feet at 4 inches thick

Cubic Yards

Sometimes ordered by volume: - 1 cubic yard of asphalt = approximately 2 tons - Covers 81 square feet at 4 inches thick

Quick Reference

  • 1 ton at 2" thick = ~80 sq ft
  • 1 ton at 3" thick = ~53 sq ft
  • 1 ton at 4" thick = ~40 sq ft

Types of Asphalt

Common asphalt types for paving:

1. Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)

  • Most common type for driveways and roads
  • Mixed and applied hot (300°F+)
  • Best for: Driveways, parking lots, roads
  • Pros: Durable, smooth finish, long-lasting
  • Cons: Requires professional equipment
  • Cost: Moderate ($2-5 per square foot installed)

2. Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA)

  • Mixed at lower temperatures than HMA
  • Best for: All paving applications, eco-friendly projects
  • Pros: Lower emissions, longer working time, can apply in cooler weather
  • Cons: Slightly higher material cost
  • Cost: Moderate to high

3. Cold Mix Asphalt

  • Can be applied at ambient temperatures
  • Best for: Temporary repairs, pot hole patches
  • Pros: DIY-friendly, longer shelf life, works in cold weather
  • Cons: Not as durable as hot mix
  • Cost: Higher per ton, but good for small repairs

4. Porous Asphalt

  • Allows water to drain through
  • Best for: Sustainable parking lots, reducing runoff
  • Pros: Excellent drainage, eco-friendly
  • Cons: Requires special base, higher maintenance
  • Cost: Higher

5. Recycled Asphalt (RAP)

  • Contains reclaimed asphalt pavement
  • Best for: Driveways, cost-conscious projects
  • Pros: Eco-friendly, less expensive
  • Cons: Variable quality
  • Cost: Lower

Asphalt Base Requirements

Critical: Asphalt is only as good as its base!

Typical Base Layers (residential driveway):

  1. Subgrade: Compacted native soil
  2. Sub-base (if needed): 6-8 inches compacted gravel/stone
  3. Base course: 4-6 inches compacted crushed stone (#2, #3)
  4. Binder course (optional): 2-3 inches coarse asphalt
  5. Surface course: 1.5-2 inches fine asphalt (top layer)

Total Depth:

  • Light residential: 2 inches asphalt over 4-6 inches gravel
  • Heavy use: 3-4 inches asphalt over 6-8 inches gravel

Asphalt Installation Process

Professional Installation Steps:

  1. Demolition (if replacing old pavement)
  2. Grading and sloping for drainage (2% slope minimum)
  3. Base installation (compacted aggregate)
  4. Proof rolling to test base stability
  5. Asphalt delivery (must use while hot!)
  6. Paving with asphalt paver
  7. Compaction with roller (critical step!)
  8. Edging and finishing
  9. Curing (avoid traffic for 24-48 hours)

Base Preparation is KEY:

  • Poor base = cracking, settling, failure
  • Proper compaction prevents future problems
  • Good drainage prevents water damage

Buying Asphalt: What You Need to Know

Ordering Tips

  1. Asphalt must be used HOT (within 1-2 hours of mixing)
  2. Order exact amount needed (can't store it)
  3. Have crew and equipment ready before delivery
  4. Check minimum order requirements (often 3-5 tons)
  5. Consider weather (rain or freezing temps delay work)
  6. Get proper permits if required

Cost Factors

  • Material: $40-80 per ton (varies by region)
  • Installation labor: Adds $2-5 per square foot
  • Base work: $1-2 per square foot
  • Demolition: $1-2 per square foot if needed
  • Total installed cost: $3-7 per square foot typically

DIY vs. Professional

Not recommended for DIY unless: - You have asphalt paving equipment - Experience with asphalt work - Crew to work quickly - Roller for compaction

Why hire a pro: - Requires expensive specialized equipment - Asphalt cools quickly (must work fast) - Proper compaction is critical - Grading and drainage expertise needed - Results are permanent (mistakes costly)

Asphalt Driveway Lifespan and Maintenance

Expected Lifespan:

  • Properly installed: 15-20 years
  • Poor installation: 5-10 years
  • Heavy traffic: 10-15 years
  • Light residential use: 20-30 years possible

Maintenance Schedule:

  • Immediately after install: Avoid heavy traffic for 48 hours
  • First year: Inspect for settling, minor cracks normal
  • Years 1-3: Seal coat for protection
  • Every 2-3 years: Reapply seal coating
  • As needed: Fill cracks promptly
  • Every 10-15 years: Consider overlay or resurfacing

Extending Life:

  1. Seal coating every 2-3 years (adds 5-10 years life)
  2. Fix cracks immediately (prevents water infiltration)
  3. Good drainage (water is asphalt's enemy)
  4. Avoid sharp turns (reduces scuffing)
  5. No heavy loads on hot days
  6. Edge support prevents crumbling edges

Common Asphalt Problems and Causes

1. Cracking

  • Cause: Age, water infiltration, poor base, thermal stress
  • Prevention: Seal coating, crack filling, proper drainage
  • Fix: Fill cracks, seal coat, or overlay if severe

2. Potholes

  • Cause: Water damage, base failure, heavy traffic
  • Prevention: Fix cracks early, good drainage
  • Fix: Cold patch (temporary) or hot patch (permanent)

3. Raveling (surface deterioration)

  • Cause: Age, UV exposure, poor compaction, low asphalt content
  • Prevention: Seal coating
  • Fix: Seal coat or overlay

4. Rutting (depressions in wheel paths)

  • Cause: Heavy loads, hot weather, inadequate thickness
  • Prevention: Proper thickness for usage, good base
  • Fix: Overlay or mill and replace

5. Edge Cracking

  • Cause: No edge support, water infiltration
  • Prevention: Install edge support, proper grading
  • Fix: Fill, seal, add edge support

Asphalt vs. Concrete

Asphalt Advantages:

  • Lower initial cost ($3-5/sq ft vs. $5-10/sq ft)
  • Faster installation
  • Easier to repair
  • Better in freeze-thaw climates
  • Quieter drive surface
  • Can be recycled

Concrete Advantages:

  • Longer lifespan (30-40 years vs. 15-20)
  • Less maintenance
  • Brighter surface (better lighting)
  • Higher property value
  • More design options

Best Choice:

  • Asphalt: Cold climates, budget-conscious, faster installation
  • Concrete: Hot climates, long-term investment, appearance priority

Frequently Asked Questions

How thick should asphalt be for a driveway?

2-3 inches is standard for residential driveways over a proper gravel base (4-6 inches). Commercial driveways need 3-4 inches.

How much does asphalt cost installed?

Total installed cost typically runs $3-7 per square foot including base work. Material alone is $40-80 per ton.

Can I pave over my old asphalt?

Yes, if the old asphalt is in decent shape. Overlay should be minimum 1.5-2 inches. If base is damaged, full replacement is better.

How long before I can drive on new asphalt?

Wait at least 24-48 hours for light vehicles. Avoid heavy vehicles and sharp turns for several days. Full cure takes several months.

What temperature does asphalt need to be installed?

Asphalt should be applied above 50°F ambient temperature. Ideal is 70-90°F. Too cold and it won't compact properly.

How long does asphalt take to dry?

Asphalt doesn't "dry" - it cools and hardens. This takes 24-48 hours for traffic, but full curing continues for 6-12 months.

Do I need to seal coat new asphalt immediately?

No. Wait 6-12 months before first seal coat. Asphalt needs time to cure before sealing.

Is 2 inches of asphalt enough for a driveway?

Yes, IF you have a proper 4-6 inch compacted gravel base underneath. The base does most of the work.

Related Calculators

Looking for other paving and landscaping calculations? Check out our: - Gravel Calculator - For base material - Sand Calculator - For leveling - Topsoil Calculator - For surrounding areas - Rock Calculator - For edging

Pro Tip: The #1 cause of premature asphalt failure is a poor base. Spend the money on proper base preparation - it's far cheaper than repaving in 5 years!