How much asphalt do I need?
Tons = length (ft) × width (ft) × thickness (ft) × 145 ÷ 2,000
Compacted hot mix asphalt weighs about 145 lb per cubic foot, which is close to 2 tons per cubic yard. Paving crews often use the shortcut of 110 lb per square yard per inch of thickness, which gives the same answer. A 30 × 12 ft driveway at 3 inches is 90 cubic feet, about 6.5 tons before extra.
Asphalt thickness by project
| Project | Compacted asphalt | Base underneath |
|---|---|---|
| Residential driveway | 2 to 3 in | 6 to 8 in compacted gravel |
| Driveway with heavy trucks or RVs | 3 to 4 in | 8 to 12 in compacted gravel |
| Walking path | 2 in | 4 in compacted gravel |
| Overlay on sound old asphalt | 1.5 to 2 in | Existing pavement |
Coverage of one ton
| Thickness | Area per ton |
|---|---|
| 1.5 in | about 110 sq ft |
| 2 in | about 80 sq ft |
| 3 in | about 55 sq ft |
| 4 in | about 40 sq ft |
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of asphalt do I need for a driveway?
A 12 × 50 ft driveway at 2 inches compacted needs about 7.3 tons, or about 7.6 tons with 5% extra.
How much does a ton of asphalt cover?
About 80 sq ft at 2 inches thick, or about 55 sq ft at 3 inches.
How much does a cubic yard of asphalt weigh?
About 2 tons compacted (145 lb per cubic foot × 27). Loose asphalt in the truck is lighter per yard until it is rolled.
Is asphalt sold by the ton or the yard?
By the ton. Plants weigh each truck, so convert your area and thickness to tons before you call.
Reference charts
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