Use this Asphalt Calculator to estimate the asphalt volume, weight and optional material cost required for driveways, paths, parking areas and other rectangular paving sections.

Asphalt Calculation Method

Paved area = length × width × number of areas

Asphalt volume = paved area × thickness

When thickness is entered in inches:

Thickness in feet = thickness in inches ÷ 12

To include extra material:

Total volume = base volume × (1 + allowance percentage ÷ 100)

Asphalt weight = total volume × asphalt density

Short tons = weight in pounds ÷ 2,000

Metric tonnes = weight in kilograms ÷ 1,000

When a price per short ton is entered:

Estimated cost = short tons × price per short ton

Example

Suppose an area is 20 ft long, 10 ft wide and 3 inches thick. Use a density of 145 lb/ft³ and a 5% extra allowance.

Base volume = 20 × 10 × (3 ÷ 12) = 50 ft³

Total volume = 50 × 1.05 = 52.5 ft³

Asphalt weight = 52.5 × 145 = 7,612.5 lb

Short tons = 7,612.5 ÷ 2,000 ≈ 3.81 tons

The project requires approximately 3.81 short tons, or 1.94 cubic yards, of asphalt.

Important Notes

• Use the compacted asphalt thickness required for the project.
• Asphalt density varies by mixture, aggregate and compaction level.
• Use the density supplied by the asphalt producer whenever available.
• Uneven ground, edge losses, compaction and delivery minimums may increase the quantity ordered.
• The calculator does not design the pavement base, drainage, asphalt mixture or structural thickness.

Sources

• Asphalt Institute — Asphalt Quantity and Density Guidance
• Federal Highway Administration — In-Place Asphalt Pavement Density