Asphalt Calculator
- Updated
- Imperial and metric
- Free, no sign-up
Results
11.42 tons of asphalt for 600 ft²
Asphalt tonnage formula
Compacted hot-mix asphalt weighs about 145 lb/ft³ (around 2,320 kg/m³). A 12 × 50 ft driveway paved 3 inches thick needs 150 ft³ of asphalt, which is 10.87 tons, or 11.42 tons with 5% extra. A 6-inch crusher-run base under it, with 15% extra for compaction, is about 19.17 tons of stone.
Tons of asphalt per 100 square feet
| Compacted thickness | Tons per 100 ft² |
|---|---|
| 1.5 in | 0.91 |
| 2 in | 1.21 |
| 2.5 in | 1.51 |
| 3 in | 1.81 |
| 4 in | 2.42 |
Based on 145 lb/ft³ compacted, before waste.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
- Surface: residential driveways commonly use 2 to 3 inches (5–7.5 cm) of compacted asphalt, sometimes laid in two lifts.
- Base: 4 to 8 inches (10–20 cm) of compacted aggregate base, more on soft or clay soils.
- Heavy use: RVs, delivery trucks and cold climates call for the thicker end of both ranges.
Why calculate from the compacted thickness?
Hot asphalt is spread thicker than the finished depth, because rolling compresses it. The weight doesn't change when it is compacted, so tonnage is calculated from the finished, compacted thickness and the compacted density. That is the figure suppliers and paving contractors work from.
Frequently asked questions
How much does asphalt weigh?
Compacted hot-mix asphalt weighs about 145 pounds per cubic foot (roughly 2,320 kg per cubic meter), which is close to 2 tons per cubic yard. Mixes range from about 140 to 150 lb/ft³, and your supplier can give the exact figure.
How many tons of asphalt do I need for a driveway?
A 12 × 50 ft driveway paved 3 inches thick is 150 cubic feet of asphalt. At 145 lb/ft³ that is 21,750 lb, or about 10.9 tons, before waste. Add about 5% for an order of roughly 11.5 tons.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
Residential driveways commonly use 2 to 3 inches of compacted asphalt over 4 to 8 inches of compacted aggregate base. Soft soils, heavy vehicles and cold climates call for the thicker end of both ranges.
How much area does a ton of asphalt cover?
At 145 lb/ft³, one ton of asphalt covers about 83 sq ft at 2 inches thick or 55 sq ft at 3 inches thick.
Does this work for tarmac in the UK?
Yes. Switch to metric, enter the area in meters and the thickness in centimeters, and the calculator gives tonnes. In the UK, “tarmac” is the everyday word for asphalt surfacing, and the same density range applies.