Enter the length, width and compacted thickness. The calculator converts the area to square yards and uses the standard spread rate for dense-graded hot mix to give tons, the unit asphalt plants sell by.
Asphalt tonnage calculator
How it works
- Area = length × width ÷ 9 → square yards
- Tons = square yards × thickness in inches × 110 lb ÷ 2,000
110 lb per square yard per inch is the typical spread rate for asphalt mixtures given in Asphalt magazine's "rules of thumb" (Asphalt Institute). It works out to about 147 lb per cubic foot of compacted mix, and one ton covers about 18 square yards at 1 in thick.
Worked example
A 60 × 12 ft driveway, 2 in thick compacted:
- Length: 60 ft
- Width: 12 ft
- Compacted thickness: 2 in
- Spread rate: 110 lb per sq yd per inch
- Price per ton (optional): $0
The calculator gives:
- Asphalt: 8.80 tons
- Area: 720 sq ft = 80.0 sq yd
- Density implied: 146.7 lb per cu ft compacted
- Metric: 7.98 tonnes
720 sq ft is 80 sq yd. 80 × 2 × 110 = 17,600 lb, or 8.8 tons.
Material and waste notes
- Thickness is compacted thickness. Loose mix is laid thicker and rolled down.
- Open-graded and porous mixes weigh less per inch; use the spread rate your plant gives for its mix.
- Base preparation and thickness depend on soil and traffic. This tool only covers the asphalt itself.
- Order a little over the calculated tonnage for edges and uneven base. The margin is your call.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of asphalt for a driveway?
Square yards × inches × 110 ÷ 2,000. A 60 × 12 ft driveway at 2 in is 8.8 tons; at 3 in it is 13.2 tons.
How much area does a ton of asphalt cover?
About 18.2 sq yd (164 sq ft) at 1 in thick, 9.1 sq yd (82 sq ft) at 2 in.
What does a cubic yard of asphalt weigh?
At the 110 lb/sq yd/in rule, compacted asphalt is about 3,960 lb per cubic yard, roughly 2 tons.
Sources
- D. Gierhart and J. Wielinski, "Five handy rules of thumb for successful asphalt pavement construction", Asphalt magazine (Asphalt Institute), 2023: typical spread rate 110 lb per square yard per inch
- NIST Special Publication 811, Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (unit conversion factors)
Last reviewed: 25 September 2026. The calculation is covered by automated tests with known answers taken from the sources above. Found an error? Please let us know.