Asphalt Calculator
What is asphalt—and what is it made of?
Asphalt (often called asphalt concrete or blacktop) is a paving material made by blending mineral aggregates (stone, sand, and fines) with a petroleum‑based binder called bitumen that coats and locks the aggregates together. Typical mixes are about 95% aggregates and 5% asphalt binder by weight, though exact proportions vary by mix and use.
You’ll encounter several common mix types on projects:
- Hot‑Mix Asphalt (HMA) – the standard for driveways and roads.
- Warm‑Mix Asphalt (WMA) – produced at lower temperatures to reduce emissions and fuel use.
- Porous asphalt – allows water to drain through the surface to manage stormwater.
Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) – recycled asphalt milled from old pavements and reused in new mixes for cost and sustainability benefits.
How to estimate asphalt (step‑by‑step)
The simplest way to size your order is to turn area into volume, then volume into weight. Here’s the proven workflow used by asphalt calculators:
- Measure the area
For rectangles: area = length × width. Break irregular shapes into rectangles and add them up. - Choose your compacted thickness
Residential work commonly ranges from 2–4 inches; high‑traffic areas may need 6–8 inches. (Your contractor will specify based on base strength and loading.) - Compute volume
Convert thickness to feet, then:
volume (ft³) = area (ft²) × thickness (ft). Divide by 27 for cubic yards. - Convert volume to weight
Asphalt density typically falls between 138 and 150 lb/ft³ (≈2,200–2,400 kg/m³). Many calculators default near the upper end for a conservative estimate.
weight (lb) = volume (ft³) × density (lb/ft³);
short tons = pounds ÷ 2,000. - Add a compaction/contingency factor
Plan ~10% extra to account for compaction, grade variation, edges, and normal waste so the crew doesn’t run short.
Quick example (single‑car pad):
A 20 ft × 30 ft area at 3 in compacted thickness.
- Area = 600 ft²
- Thickness = 3/12 ft = 0.25 ft
- Volume = 600 × 0.25 = 150 ft³
- Weight (at 145 lb/ft³) = 150 × 145 = 21,750 lb = 10.9 tons
- With ~10% compaction/contingency → ≈12.0 tons ordered.
Back‑of‑the‑napkin coverage: As a rule of thumb, one ton covers ~80 ft² at 2 inches; thicker lifts cover proportionally less.
Notes to consider when applying asphalt
- Start with a stable, well‑compacted base (graded, drained, and free of organics). Poor base = short pavement life.
- Clean and prep the area—remove debris; treat weeds if needed; they can grow through and damage the surface.
- Use a tack coat between lifts so layers bond properly.
- Mind drainage from day one. Target 1.5–3% cross‑slope to avoid ponding and water damage.
- Pave at the right thickness for the base and traffic (see guidance below).
Thickness tip: The Asphalt Institute’s driveway guidance indicates full‑depth residential driveways should be at least 4 inches compacted on a properly prepared subgrade (local specs may vary).
Factors that affect the quantity you need
- Traffic loading (SUVs, trailers, delivery trucks) → thicker lifts and/or different mix.
- Climate & season (freeze–thaw, heat) → mix selection and lift strategy.
- Base condition & grade (soft spots, slopes) → more material to establish profile and drainage.
- Compaction & waste (edges, tie‑ins, irregular shapes) → typically add ~10%.
- Layering & tack coat—multiple lifts and bonding materials slightly increase total needs.
How much does an asphalt driveway cost?
Installed costs vary by region, site prep, depth, and design. Current national guides report:
- New asphalt driveway: $7–$13 per sq ft
- Replacement (remove & repave): $8–$15 per sq ft
- Overlay/top coat (on sound base): $3–$7 per sq ft
Expect totals to trend higher with thicker sections, extensive grading/drainage work, premium finishes (stamped/colored), or heated systems. Labor commonly accounts for ~half of the project budget, and materials are often priced by the ton; many suppliers quote $100–$200/ton depending on market conditions.
If you’re pricing raw material only (pickup/delivery, not installed), retail asphalt mix can range widely; some calculators and suppliers assume $80–$200 per metric tonne for rough cost modeling—confirm local rates with your plant or contractor.
Some advantages of using asphalt
- Fast install, quick to open; minimal downtime for homes and businesses.
- Smooth, quiet ride; excellent driving comfort and skid resistance with proper surface courses.
- Cost‑effective & repairable; localized patching and overlays extend life without full replacement.
- Recyclable; RAP and shingles are routinely reused, lowering material costs and environmental impact.
Ready to get a precise estimate?
- Measure your space and choose a target thickness.
- Use the Procore Asphalt Calculator steps above (or your preferred calculator) to turn area → volume → tons, then add ~10% for compaction.
- Verify density and pricing with your local supplier (densities often fall in the 138–150 lb/ft³ range).