Asphalt Calculator

Calculate the tonnage of asphalt needed for driveways, roads and parking areas.

Part of:Landscaping hubDriveways hub
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How to Use This Calculator

How to Use

  1. Enter the length and width of the area you're paving.
  2. Enter the compacted depth (thickness) of asphalt.
  3. Choose the asphalt type so the correct density is used for the weight.
  4. Read off the volume and the tonnage you need to order.

Tips

  • Residential driveways: 2-3 inches (50-75 mm) compacted depth.
  • Commercial parking & roads: 3-4 inches (75-100 mm) or more.
  • Hot mix asphalt weighs about 145-150 lb per cu ft, or roughly 2.4 tonnes per m³.
  • Asphalt is almost always ordered and priced by the ton, so use the tonnage figure when getting quotes.

Common Questions

How do I calculate the volume of asphalt I need?

Multiply the length by the width by the depth (all in the same units). This calculator does it for you and converts the depth from inches or millimetres automatically, giving volume in cubic yards or cubic metres.

How do I convert asphalt volume to weight (tonnage)?

Multiply the volume by the density of the asphalt. Dense hot mix asphalt is about 2,400 kg/m³ (roughly 2 US tons per cubic yard). This tool applies the correct density for the asphalt type you select.

How much does asphalt weigh?

Compacted hot mix asphalt weighs about 145-150 lb per cubic foot, around 2 US tons per cubic yard, or about 2.4 tonnes per cubic metre. Porous and cold mixes weigh slightly less.

How thick should a driveway be?

2-3 inches (50-75 mm) of compacted asphalt is standard for residential driveways over a proper compacted gravel base. Heavier traffic areas need 3-4 inches (75-100 mm).

How many tonnes of asphalt do I need per square metre?

At a typical 50 mm depth, one square metre of hot mix needs roughly 0.12 tonnes. The calculator works this out exactly from your area, chosen thickness and asphalt type.

How long before I can drive on a new asphalt driveway?

Wait at least 2-3 days before light traffic and avoid parking heavy vehicles or turning the wheels while stationary for the first few weeks while the surface fully hardens.

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