WeekendCalc

Asphalt Calculator

Enter the size of the driveway or lot and how thick the asphalt will be. You get the tons of asphalt to order, the gravel base underneath, and a cost estimate.

Your project

Driveways typically have 4 to 8 in of compacted stone under the asphalt.

%

Edges, thin spots and the truck's leftovers. 5% is typical.

$

Example only. Ask local plants, since prices vary a lot.

Results

Asphalt needed
7.6 tons
Includes your waste allowance
Area
600 ft²
Coverage per ton at this thickness
83 ft² per ton

Gravel base (about 20% extra for compaction)

Crushed stone base
18.7 tons
Same, in cubic yards
13.3 yd³

Cost

Asphalt at your price
$913.50
  • Hot-mix asphalt weighs about 145 lb per cubic foot when compacted. A driveway is normally laid in two lifts (a base course then a surface course), but the total thickness is what counts here. Paving is a job for a contractor with a roller: the equipment matters.

How this calculator works

Asphalt is sold by the ton, and once compacted it weighs about 145 lb per cubic foot. We multiply the area by the compacted thickness (converted to feet) to get cubic feet, then by 145 lb and divide by 2,000 to get tons, and add your allowance. The gravel base is estimated the same way, with 20% extra because stone compacts.

tons = area (ft²) × thickness (in ÷ 12) × 145 lb ÷ 2,000 × (1 + waste %)

Worked example: a 50 × 12 ft driveway (600 ft²) paved 2 in thick: 600 × 0.1667 × 145 ÷ 2,000 = 7.25 tons, or 7.6 tons with 5% waste. A 6 in stone base under it takes about 13.3 yd³ (18.7 tons) of crushed stone, allowing for compaction.

Tips before you buy

  • A residential driveway is commonly 2 to 3 inches of compacted asphalt over a 6 to 8 inch stone base. The base matters most, because it carries the load and drains the water.
  • Asphalt must be laid hot and rolled promptly. It is best installed in warm, dry weather, and the plant will often have a minimum order of a few tons.
  • Seal-coat a new driveway after about 6 to 12 months and re-seal every 2 to 3 years to slow oxidation and cracking.
  • Get at least three quotes and ask what base, thickness and compaction they will use, since price differences often come from skimping on the base.

Tools & materials for this project

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Driveway sealerAsphalt crack fillerCold patch asphaltHand tamperDriveway squeegee

Frequently asked questions

How many tons of asphalt do I need for a driveway?

About 0.012 tons per square foot at 2 inches thick. A 12 × 50 ft driveway needs about 7.25 tons at 2 in, or 10.9 tons at 3 in.

How thick should an asphalt driveway be?

Two to three inches of compacted asphalt for homes, and three inches or more for heavier vehicles. It must sit on a compacted stone base of at least 4 to 6 inches.

How far does a ton of asphalt go?

About 83 ft² at 2 inches thick, or 55 ft² at 3 inches.

Related calculators & guides

Gravel CalculatorTons and cubic yards of gravel, crushed stone or road base.Concrete CalculatorCubic yards and bags for slabs, patios and pads.Paver CalculatorPavers, base gravel and sand for a patio or walkway.Cubic Yard CalculatorCubic yards, cubic feet and weight for any material.How Much Asphalt Do I Need for a Driveway? Tons ChartGuide

Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.