Asphalt Driveway Calculator
Estimate the tons of hot-mix asphalt for a driveway from its length, width and thickness, plus the material cost.
How it works
volume = length × width × (thickness ÷ 12) · tons = volume × 145 lb/cu ft ÷ 2000 · cost = tons × price per ton
Hot-mix asphalt weighs about 145 lb per cubic foot compacted, so the tonnage is the paved volume in cubic feet times that density, divided by 2,000. Because asphalt is ordered by weight from the plant, thickness is the compacted (finished) depth — laydown starts thicker and compacts down. Adding roughly 10% covers the compaction allowance, edges and the cooling window during the pour.
Worked example
A 40 × 12 ft driveway at 3 in: 40 × 12 × (3 ÷ 12) = 120 cu ft. At 145 lb/cu ft that is 17,400 lb, or 8.7 tons; with 10% waste, about 9.6 tons — at $120/ton, roughly $1,150 of material.
Frequently asked questions
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
For residential driveways, 2 to 3 in of compacted asphalt over a 4 to 8 in compacted aggregate base is typical. Heavier loads or poor soil call for a thicker base and 3 to 4 in of asphalt.
Why is asphalt sold by the ton?
The plant produces and prices it by weight, not volume. Converting your paved volume to tons using the ~145 lb/cu ft density lets you order the right amount and check the delivered tonnage against the ticket.
Does this include the gravel base?
No — this estimates only the asphalt wearing course. The compacted aggregate base underneath is a separate material; size it with a gravel calculator using the base depth your soil and load require.
Related calculators
Estimates only — add for waste and confirm against local building codes and supplier specs.