Asphalt Driveway Calculator
Enter your driveway measurements to estimate asphalt volume, weight, tons, coverage and material cost.
Results are estimates. Actual quantities can vary because of asphalt mix, density, compaction, waste, base conditions and project specifications.
Calculate asphalt tonnage, cost and coverage with this asphalt driveway calculator.
It sounds like a straightforward project, doesn't it, until you begin to ask some practical questions about a new asphalt driveway?
What is the amount of asphalt I'll need? How many tons do I need to order? What thickness should I go with? What will be the price of the asphalt? What is the area that one ton covers?
If you're attempting to solve these questions using a calculator, you've come to the right place.
With our Asphalt Driveway Calculator, you can calculate the amount of asphalt you need for your driveway, depending on the size and thickness. It can help you determine about how much, how many, how much weight, how many tons, how many square yards, or how many dollars of asphalt before you reach out to a paving contractor or asphalt supplier.
It is not necessary to do the complex formulas personally. Just measure your driveway, input the details and use those figures as a starting point to plan your project.
This is a guide to understanding how an asphalt driveway calculation works, what measurements are required, how thickness will affect the overall result, how an asphalt ton can be estimated and what you should know before ordering the asphalt.
What Is an Asphalt Driveway Calculator?
An Asphalt Driveway Calculator is an online calculator which can be used to estimate the amount of asphalt that might be required to pave a driveway.
This calculation is primarily based on three factors:
- Driveway area
- Asphalt thickness
- Asphalt density
The area of a rectangular driveway is the length times the width.
The area of a driveway can be calculated by multiplying length times width.
This area is then added to the thickness of the asphalt being planned to give an estimate of the amount of asphalt that will be needed.
Lastly, the density of asphalt can be used to then convert that volume to an estimated weight or number of tons.
This is helpful because asphalt is often sold by weight in addition to just square footage.
For instance, if you know that you have 600 square feet of driveway, you don't know exactly how many tons of asphalt are required. The thickness and the density for the estimate are also required.
That's why an asphalt driveway calculator is a lot more beneficial than looking for any type of "asphalt per sq ft" figure.
The Asphalt Driveway Calculator uses the specified width and length (in feet) to determine the area of the asphalt driveway.
The simple calculation is simple.
To begin, determine the area of the driveway:
Length × Width = Area
Next compute the volume of asphalt:
Area × Thickness = Volume
If you wish to estimate weight:
Volume × Asphalt Density = Weight.
For US tons:
Weight ÷ 2,000 = Tons
What matters is maintaining consistency with your units.
When you are measuring your driveway in feet, but the thickness in inches, the thickness will have to be converted to feet before you can calculate the cubic feet.
For instance, 3 inches is:
3 ÷ 12 = 0.25 feet
Your driveway is 20 feet wide and 30 feet long.
The area is:
20 × 30 = 600 square feet
The theoretical volume of 3” thick is:
600 × 0.25 = 150 cubic feet
Using an estimated asphalt density of 145 lb/ft3:
150 × 145 = 21,750 pounds
That equals approximately:
10.88 US tons
This is an example of why the size of driveways is important as is their thickness.
Actual amounts will vary depending on the type of asphalt mix, density, compaction, base conditions, waste and other project factors.
Determine the quantity of asphalt required for your driveway.
This is likely the most frequent question that people ask when they are considering a paving job.
It depends on each driveway since no two are alike.
The volume of asphalt will vary according to:
Driveway size multiplied by the thickness of the asphalt and the density of the asphalt.
If the thickness is the same, a 400 square foot area driveway will need less asphalt than a 1,000 square foot area driveway.
Similarly, a 4” thick layer over the same area will need more material than a 2” thick layer.
For instance, let's say there are two 600-square-foot driveways.
The second driveway, which is paved at 4 inches, would have about twice the volume of asphalt as the first driveway, which is paved at 2 inches.
So, it is always important to include thickness in driveways when calculating asphalt.
Do not just choose a thickness because it will provide a lower price, if you are unsure about the thickness of your specific driveway. Pavement structure is correct for site conditions, traffic, soil, drainage, existing base, climate and local requirements.
Don't know how many tons of asphalt you need for your driveway? Get a more accurate quote by converting your measurements into an estimated tonnage using the calculator.
How to Measure Your Driveway for an Asphalt Calculation
One of the simplest ways to increase your estimate is to get an accurate measurement.
To calculate an area for a simple rectangle driveway, you need just 2 measurements:
- Length
- Width
Take a measurement from the driveway entrance to the end of the driveway.
Next measure the width of the driveway.
Find the product of the two numbers.
For example:
40 feet × 12 feet = 480 square feet
Now you have the approximate surface area.
If the driveway can't be assumed to be perfectly rectangular, don't guess at a single average length and width.
Rather, break up the driveway into smaller areas.
For example:
Section A = 400 square feet
Section B = 200 square feet
Total = 600 square feet
This will normally be a far more effective method with driveways that are L-shaped or T-shaped or have an irregular shape.
Measuring a Curved Driveway
Do curved driveways present more of a challenge?
You may be able to break the driveway up into a few smaller areas, and estimate each area individually.
If there are curvy or round sections of the driveway, more geometry or a site plan might be necessary for a more accurate calculation.
If your driveway is very large or in an unusual shape, it may be worth getting a measurement from a professional.
Asphalt Driveway Thickness
The thickness is one of the most critical factors in calculating an asphalt driveway.
The thicker the asphalt, the more it will need.
But there is no one-size-fits-all thickness that is right for all driveways.
The suitable pavement structure will be dependent on such factors as:
- Soil condition
- Drainage
- Climate
- Vehicle weight
- Traffic frequency
- Existing base
- Subgrade strength
- Asphalt mix
- Local construction requirements
The requirements for a driveway used by normal passenger vehicles may differ from a driveway that is frequently used by heavy trucks, trailers, or commercial vehicles.
Underlying base condition is also of importance.
Even a good asphalt surface can have problems if there is a bad or unstable base layer.
Thus, the asphalt calculator should not be used alone as a tool for determining the proper structural thickness.
Rather, use the calculator to gain insight into the changes in quantities of materials with different thicknesses, and use the correct professional guidance to design the pavement.
How Many Tons of Asphalt Do I Need for a Driveway?
Asphalt is frequently sold by ton, so it is helpful to know the approximate tonnage when requesting a price for asphalt material.
This calculation is a sum of:
Tons = Area × Thickness in Feet × Density ÷ 2,000
If you have an inch measurement:
To convert thickness from inches to feet, divide by 12.
For instance, if a driveway is:
30 feet × 20 feet
Area:
30 × 20 = 600 square feet
At 3 inches:
3 ÷ 12 = 0.25 feet
Volume:
600 × 0.25 = 150 cubic feet
With a planning density of 145 lb/ft³:
150 × 145 = 21,750 pounds
Convert to US tons:
21,750 ÷ 2,000 = 10.875 tons
Hence, the theoretical estimate is approximately **10.9 US tons**.
This does not necessarily mean you should order exactly 10.9 tons.
Compaction, density, waste, site conditions, irregular edges and type of asphalt mix may impact actual material requirements.
If this is for an actual project, check the final quantity with your asphalt supplier or paving contractor.
Calculate the required asphalt volume for a 500 square foot area.Calculate the asphalt required for 500 square feet.
The amount of asphalt needed is based on the thickness of the asphalt and the size of the driveway. If you have a 500 square foot driveway, then the need for asphalt depends on the thickness.
If planning for 145 lb/ft³:
At 2 inches:
500 × (2 ÷ 12) × 145 ÷ 2,000 = about 6.04 tons
At 3 inches:
500 × (3 ÷ 12) × 145 ÷ 2,000 = about 9.06 tons
At 4 inches:
500 × (4 ÷ 12) × 145 ÷ 2,000 = about 12.08 tons
The figures are just theoretical based on the assumed density.
The example illustrates something that is very important: the thicker it is, the more asphalt is needed.
Instead of using a typical driveway thickness in the calculator, use the actual thickness and any known project-specific density when the driveway is 500 square feet.
Calculate the amount of asphalt required for 1,000 square feet.
Another typical instance is a driveway that is 1000 sqft.
Planning for a density of 145 lb/ft³:
At 2 inches:
1,000 × (2 ÷ 12) × 145 ÷ 2,000 = about 12.08 tons
At 3 inches:
1,000 × (3 ÷ 12) × 145 ÷ 2,000 = about 18.13 tons
At 4 inches:
1,000 × (4 ÷ 12) × 145 ÷ 2,000 = about 24.17 tons
Once again these are merely mathematical estimates.
However, due to asphalt mix, asphalt density, compaction, base preparation, waste, and project specifications, it is possible that the amount of asphalt required to be laid is different.
If you already know that your driveway is about 1,000 square feet, enter the thickness that you know for your driveway in the calculator to get a more practical estimate.
What is the area covered by one ton of asphalt?
People often ask:
How many square feet will be covered by 1 ton of asphalt?
It depends on the thickness.
For a fixed density, the thickness of the asphalt layer affects the area covered by one ton since it is less for a thicker layer and more for a thinner layer.
With the planning density of ~145lb/ft3, one ton should cover approximately:
- 160 square feet at 1 inch
- 60 square feet at 1 ½ inches
- 53 square feet at 3 inches
- 40 square feet at 4″
These are only approximate and are used to show the thickness to coverage relationship.
There may be discrepancies between the amounts covered and the amount of actual coverage, due to density of asphalt, compaction, mix characteristics and installation conditions.
That's why it's not a good idea to say "one ton of asphalt coverage" without stating the thickness.
This is an asphalt driveway cost calculator.This is an Asphalt DrivewayCost Calculator.
Knowing how much asphalt you need is only part of planning a driveway.
The next question is typically:
What is the cost of an asphalt driveway?
A simple material cost calculation is:
Estimated Asphalt Material Cost = Estimated Tons × Price Per Ton
For instance, if you have estimated 10 tons and your supplier quotes $120 per ton:
10 × $120 = $1,200
This gives you an approximate cost of the asphalt materials.
It does not necessarily represent the total cost of installing the driveway.
Costs may also be included in a contractor's price:
- Labor
- Delivery
- Excavation
- Grading
- Base preparation
- Drainage
Exisiting driveway removal
- Equipment
- Compaction
- Edging
- Site preparation
That's why you can get two different quotes, even from two contractors working on the same driveway.
Always find out what is included in each quote.
Asphalt Cost Per Square Foot for a Driveway
Another way that asphalt driveway prices may be told is by square foot.
This can help you as a rough estimate for budgeting, but there's no fixed rate for an asphalt driveway, it varies from one location to another.
The price can vary according to:
- Location
- Driveway size
- Asphalt thickness
- Material prices
- Labor costs
- Site access
- Existing pavement
- Excavation requirements
- Base condition
- Drainage
- Removal costs
- Contractor pricing
The effective cost per square foot can also be higher for a small driveway since certain costs like equipments and delivery are fixed and distributed over a smaller area.
If you are getting a price per square foot, then get clarification as to what is included before comparing.
Making comparisons between asphalt driveway material costs and the installation costs is essential.
The difference is significant.
It can be estimated that the driveway needs about 10 tons of asphalt.
This does not mean that the entire driveway job is going to set you back as much as $10 tons times the supplier's price.
The contractor may require to:
- 1. Remove old pavement
- 2. Excavate unsuitable material
- 3. Prepare the subgrade
- 5. Set-up and operate the motor
- 5. Grade the driveway
- 6. Address drainage
- 7. Deliver asphalt
- 8. Install asphalt
- 9. Compact the surface
- 11. Finishing and finishing work
- Irregular edges
- Curves
- Small measurement differences
- Material waste
- Grade changes
- Compaction differences
- Repairing specific areas?
- Rebuilding the base?
- Material density
- Compaction
- Site preparation
- Drainage
- Base condition
- Irregular edges
- Waste
- Asphalt mix
- Grade changes
Of course, if all of these services are involved in a quote then the final product cost will be higher than the raw asphalt cost.
How to tell if the asphalt needs topping up.
A mathematical calculation can be used to measure a theoretical quantity.
Real projects are not ideal math shapes.
You may have:
Additional material is needed for these areas.
This is why some estimating guidance includes an extra allowance, typically in the range of 5-10% of the project dependent on the project.
It is dependent on the job and should be the right quantity.
An accurate measurement of a rectangular driveway could be easier to estimate than a driveway that is curved and has multiple sections.
Avoid simply freehanding a lot of additional texture.
You don't want to order too much asphalt or too little, as you could end up spending more than normal or having to pay extra for multiple deliveries.
If you're dealing with a big project, consult with your asphalt supplier or paving company to find out what their recommended allowance is.
Why Asphalt Density Matters
Converting from the volume to the weight of asphalt is done using density.
If there is no density, the volume can be calculated, but it is not possible to reasonably convert this volume into tons.
Typical planning densities for hot-mix asphalts are approximately 145 lbs/cu.ft., and may vary depending on the mix.
For instance, two asphalt mixes with the same volume could have different weights due to their different densities.
This includes the possibility of different tonnage results from two different calculators with different density assumptions.
When your supplier provides you with the mix density of the asphalt to be used, this is more helpful than a general number.
This is a simple asphalt driveway volume calculator.This is a basic asphalt driveway volume calculator.
Asphalt volume can be computed prior to tonnaging.
If the driveway is rectangular in shape:
Volume is equal to Length times Width times Thickness.
Always use the same units in measurements.
For example:
Driveway:
30 ft × 20 ft
Thickness:
3 inches = 0.25 feet
Volume:
30 × 20 × 0.25 = 150 cubic feet
To change cubic feet to cubic yards:
150 ÷ 27 = 5.56 cubic yards
The volume can then be used to estimate the weight of the material using the asphalt density.
This calculation is helpful in appreciating the tonnage number.
What If My Driveway Has Different Thicknesses?
Not all of the projects may be the same thickness.
If the thickness of the driveway varies within the driveway then estimate each section separately.
For example:
Section A: 400 sq ft at 3 inches
Section B: 200 sq ft at 4 inches
Find estimated quantities, calculate each section separately then add together.
This is more true than to use one average thickness for the whole driveway unless a suitable average has been established by a competent technician.
However, what if my driveway is l-shaped?
An L-shaped driveway can be divided into two rectangles.
For example:
The area of rectangle A is 500 square feet.
The area of rectangle B is 250 square feet.
Total area:
500 + 250 = 750 square feet
If the thickness is uniform then the total area can be used for the asphalt calculation.
If thickness is different in the different sections, then compute them separately.
It is a simple method that can be used for many unusual driveway shapes.
What if my driveway is circular or curved?
If the driveway is curved, more care must be taken to measure it.
The driveway can be split up into smaller sections to make easier calculations.
For instance, estimate areas as rectangles, triangles or circular areas.
If the area is in the shape of a circle:
Area = π × Radius²
A professional site measurement or digital site plan may be more suitable for a complex driveway, however.
The more complex the shape, the higher the likelihood of error with approximate measurements.
This is an Asphalt Driveway Calculator for existing driveways.
An asphalt driveway calculator can also be utilized if you're replacing an existing driveway.
However, it's important to note that there is a difference between surface area calculation and complete reconstruction requirements.
It is possible you might have to know if the base already in place is appropriate.
Grading over an existing driveway might not resolve the problem, if the old driveway is severely damaged, unstable, or experiencing drainage issues.
Decide what kind of work is really intended before figuring out the amount of material that's needed.
Are you:
Looking for a new asphalt layer?
Looking to replace the entire driveway?
Existing Asphalt to be removed?
The answer is very important and may impact the quantity of the project and the cost.
Common Asphalt Driveway Calculation Mistakes
Forgetting Thickness
While knowing the square footage is a start, it's not enough.
Always state the thickness of the asphalt.
Mixing Units
Avoid mixing up feet and meters without converting.
A tonne is equal to 1000 kilograms.A tonne is 1000 kilograms.
Two thousand pounds equals 1 U.S. short ton and 1,000 kilograms equals 1 metric tonne.
They are units of different size.
Measuring the Wrong Area
Determine the area of the property to be paved.
Ignoring Irregular Shapes
Divide up complex driveways into smaller areas instead of taking a single rectangular measurement.
Using an Unverified Density
When a specific density of asphalt is supplied, use that value when applicable.
It is possible to use the Estimate as a Contractor Quote.The Estimate can be used as a Contractor Quote.
A calculator is used to calculate the amount of material needed. It does not provide a complete installation quote.
When selecting thickness, you can only do so by price.Selecting thickness is a choice based on price alone.
Not all thickness is created equal, though a lower thickness doesn't always mean that it's the right thickness you need for your driveway.
Ordering Without Confirmation
When placing an order for a large job, double check with your supplier or paving contractor to be sure of the number of required yards.
What is the accuracy of an Asphalt Driveway Calculator?
An accurate estimate will be able to be provided with an asphalt driveway calculator when proper information is put in.
It cannot, however, foresee all the real world conditions.
While the calculation itself could be simple, the project can be composed of variables like:
The calculator can provide you with a very useful first number, if you have a straightforward driveway whose measurements are accurate.
If the project is a large or complicated project, an estimate needs to be professionally verified.
Remember that the calculator is used to ascertain an approximate material requirement, and not as a substitute for a site inspection.
How to Get a Better Asphalt Driveway Estimate
To make your calculator answer as useful as possible, follow the following steps.
Measure Carefully
Use tape measure or suitable measuring device.
If planning an actual material order, don't base it on a best estimate.
Divide irregularly shaped areas into parts.Partition irregular shapes into sections.
Partition complex shapes into smaller shapes.
Confirm the Thickness
Be aware that the thinnest does not necessarily make up the right thickness.
Understand how to use the appropriate units.
Be sure that the units of measurement are consistent.
Check the Density
Where possible, use information from suppliers.
Make an appropriate allowance.
Inquire with your contractor or supplier about waste and material needs.
Compare Complete Quotes
Don't just compare prices per ton when selecting a paving company.
Inquire about the cost of preparation, labor, delivery and finishing.
A list of frequently asked questions about the Asphalt Driveway Calculator.
What is an asphalt driveway calculator?
Asphalt driveway calculator is a tool that can be used to calculate the amount of asphalt needed for a driveway when the specification size is provided, including length, width and thickness.
How to calculate asphalt for a driveway?
Measure the area of a driveway, compute the volume by using the thickness of asphalt and then estimate the weight or tonnage of the driveway by using the density of asphalt.
In how many tons is the amount of asphalt I will need for my driveway?
This depends on the size of the driveway, the thickness and density of the asphalt. Input real measurements in the calculator to get an approximation.
How many tons of asphalt can I buy to fill in a 500 square foot driveway?
The amount is related to the thickness. The theoretical requirement for 2" at a density of 145 lb/ft³ is approximately 6.04 tons. Weighs approximately 9.06 tons at 3 inches.
What is the minimum amount of asphalt needed for a driveway that is 1,000 square feet in size?
Assuming a density of 145 lb/ft³, 1000 sq. ft. would need about 12.08 tons at 2″, 18.13 tons at 3″ or 24.17 tons at 4″.
What is the coverage of a ton of asphalt?
Coverage is thickness dependent. At a planning density of about 145 lb/ft³, one ton will cover some 80 sq ft at 2 in. and about 40 sq ft at 4 in. theoretically.
How thick should the asphalt be for a driveway?
No one thickness is right for all driveways. Depending on the traffic, soil, drainage, climate, base conditions, and other project factors, the appropriate pavement structure will be chosen.
Would it be possible to calculate the amount of asphalt that will be required for an irregularly shaped driveway?
Yes. Break up the driveway into smaller parts, find the value of each part, and sum the values.
What is the cost of an asphalt driveway?
Estimated Asphalt Tonnage times the current asphalt ton cost is used to estimate the material cost. Keep in mind that extra fees for installation, delivery, preparation, labor and other services may apply.
Does the size of the driveway make a difference in the cost of the asphalt?
Yes. The larger the driveway, the more material is needed and costs per square foot can vary, depending on material delivery, equipment, and labor costs which might be spread out over a greater area.
Is the thickness of the asphalt proportional to the price?
Yes. The thicker it is the more asphalt will be needed, which may raise the cost of materials.
Is there a correlation between tonnage and asphalt density?
Yes. Density is used to convert volume into weight. The density of the different asphalt mixes may vary.
Are all the numbers shown on the calculator correct?
Not necessarily. Answers with the calculator are approximate. Allowances may be required for waste, irregular areas, compaction, and other conditions in the project. Please verify order with supplier/ contractor.
Is a ton of asphalt equal to a metric ton of asphalt?
No. The unit of weight is a short ton in US and a metric tonne in the rest of the world, which is equivalent to 2,000 pounds and 1,000 kg, respectively.
What is the total cost of installing this driveway?
Can be used to estimate the cost of the asphalt material if a price per ton is known. Other factors contributing to total installation costs include labor, delivery, excavation, grading, base preparation, drainage, removal, and more.
Yes, you can use this calculator prior to obtaining contractor quotes.Yes, it is possible to use this calculator before contractor quotes.
Yes. A preliminary estimate can give you an idea of the material you might need in your project prior to talking with contractors.
Why aren't the calculator's results the same as the contractor's estimate?
The contractor may have different assumptions with respect to thickness, density, waste, compaction, project area or other construction requirements. Inquire with the contractor what is covered in the estimate.
Can the calculator be used for commercial driveways?
It can be used to help estimate quantities, but commercial or heavy-duty pavement projects might need a detailed pavement design and professional quantity calculation.
Use Our Asphalt Driveway Calculator
It's not complicated to calculate the amount of asphalt that will be needed for a driveway.
Begin with the measurements you are familiar with.
Measure the driveway.
Figure out the thickness that is desired.
Input the data into our Asphalt Driveway Calculator.
Then you can use the estimated result to get an idea of your approximate asphalt quantity and tonnage and, if necessary, move to an estimate of the material cost.
The calculator is particularly helpful before reaching out to suppliers or comparing contractor quotes, as it can help you to have a clearer notion of what your project might need.
Keep in mind that there are site parameters an online calculator cannot account for (asphalt mix, density, compaction, base condition, drainage, site shape, construction requirements) which can affect the final quantity of asphalt required.
When you're about to get a big paving project, always get your final needs approved by a professional paver or asphalt supplier.
Better Numbers For Your Driveway Plan
No one wants to order an insufficient amount of asphalt, then find out that they still need more asphalt halfway through the job.
On the other hand, it will be costly to order too much of the material.
An approximate calculation will give you a better starting point.
Before ordering, measure your driveway, input the dimensions, verify the thickness and determine your estimated tonnage.
Our Asphalt Driveway Calculator is perfect for homeowners who want to install a new asphalt driveway, or contractors to provide a preliminary estimate.
Don't guess on how many tons of driveway asphalt you need; know your estimate, and go into your next paving decision with greater confidence.