Asphalt Calculator

Use it when your task matches one of these common needs: Estimate asphalt tons for a simple driveway section. Convert compacted depth into cubic yards. It works best when you already know the paved length, paved width, compacted depth, tons per cubic yard, and waste percent.

In plain language: Cubic feet = length x width x compacted depth in feet. Cubic yards = cubic feet / 27. Tons = cubic yards x tons per cubic yard. The examples on the page are there so you can compare your inputs with a driveway section example before copying the answer.

Length and width: the paved rectangle in feet, measured only for the section you want to estimate. Compacted depth: the finished asphalt thickness after compaction, not loose material depth. Tons per cubic yard: the density assumption used to convert volume into asphalt tonnage. About 2 is a common planning shortcut for hot mix. Waste percent: extra material for edges, compaction differences, and small measurement errors. Cubic yards: the volume before it is converted into tons. Estimated tons: the rough material weight to discuss with a supplier or paving contractor.

Read the headline estimate first, then check the material, waste, coverage, and unit lines. For project tools, the supporting lines are often the difference between a rough idea and a list you can actually shop from.

Asphalt Institute gives 142 to 148 lb/ft3 as a common in-place asphalt mixture range. Local mix, compaction target, lift thickness, base, plant minimums, and professional measurement can change the order. Check that the depth is compacted depth, the density came from a supplier when possible, and the area matches the part being paved. A real paving quote also needs base condition, drainage, lift thickness, and site access.

Because the finished pavement thickness is what matters. Loose hot mix can change depth after rolling, so loose depth and compacted depth should not be treated as the same number.

No. It is a useful planning shortcut because 148 lb/ft3 is about 2 tons per cubic yard. Ask your asphalt supplier for the density they want you to use.

It adds a small cushion for edges, odd shapes, and measurement misses. It does not replace a contractor measurement or a plant minimum order.

No. Use it as a rough check before talking to a paving contractor. A quote needs base condition, drainage, lift thickness, mix type, access, labor, and local plant rules.

Not without checking with the supplier. Some asphalt plants have minimum loads, truck limits, mix rules, or rounding rules that can change the final order.

It does not price excavation, base repair, grading, drainage, tack coat, disposal, equipment, labor, permits, or local specs. It only estimates material volume and tons.

No. The asphalt estimate runs in your browser tab. Your dimensions, density, waste percent, and recent answers are not sent to a server.