Asphalt Calculator - Calculate asphalt cost and tons by square feet, cubic yards, cubic meters

Area (ft²):

Volume (yd³):

Hot Mix Asphalt Weight (tons):

Estimated Asphalt Cost ($):

Estimated Equipment Rental Cost ($):

Calculating How Much Asphalt You Need

Many road builders and homeowners seeking a well-paved driveway often face the challenge of estimating the amount of Hotmix Asphalt (HMA, also known as bitumen, blacktop, or Tarmac) required to cover a specific area. Our asphalt calculator (also known as the tarmac calculator) is invaluable in such situations, but the accuracy of the results depends on the precision of the measurements entered.

Calculation Process

Estimate the Volume: Use geometrical formulas and plans or measurements, including width, length, and depth (thickness), to determine the volume of asphalt needed.
Estimate the Density: The standard density for asphalt is 145 lbs/ft³ (2322 kg/m³), but this may vary depending on the specific asphalt mixture purchased.
Calculate the Weight: Multiply the volume by the density (using the same units) to obtain the weight.

Supported measurement units include inches, feet, yards, meters, and centimeters.

Additional Considerations

Due to potential inaccuracies in measurements and waste during application, it is advisable to purchase 5-6% more asphalt than estimated to avoid shortages.
For example, if the calculator indicates a need for 10 tons of asphalt, consider purchasing 10.5 or 11 tons to ensure sufficient material and minimize unnecessary transportation costs.

Calculating for Irregular Shapes

If the area has an irregular shape, divide it into several regularly-shaped sections. Calculate the volume and asphalt requirements for each section using the calculator, then sum them up.

For a large number of sections, you may use our summation calculator for convenience.
Reasonable approximations can be made for slightly irregular shapes by taking the average length or width.
For more complex scenarios requiring accurate asphalt estimation, consult a professional.

Types of Asphalt

Contrary to what you may think, there is more than one type of asphalt, mainly depending on the temperature during mixing. Selecting the right type is important, as some asphalts are better suited to particular applications than others.

Type	Description
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)	Also known as "Dense-Graded Mix", this is the most widely used type, ideal for all traffic conditions, surfacing, and repairing needs. It offers great friction. During production, the binder is heated at high temperatures to reduce viscosity and remove all moisture prior to mixing. The asphalt density used in many calculators most closely matches this type of material.
Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA)	Used in roughly a third of road-paving projects, this asphalt is produced at lower temperatures than HMA and is suitable for paving during off-season months or overnight projects.
Driveway Mix Asphalt	A cheaper mix tailored for use in driveways and parking lots. It includes crushed stone, sand, and gravel.
Porous Asphalt	Designed with only crushed stone and a few grains of sand in the mix, making it permeable to water. More expensive, but eliminates the need for drainage. It requires an open-graded stone bed of a certain size and depth to prevent water from rising to the asphalt level.

Frequently Asked Questions

How thick should asphalt be?

Asphalt can be installed in various thicknesses, but a minimum of 3" is recommended. For residential driveways, a 2" thick base layer of asphalt and a 1" thick top-wearing surface, totaling 3", is the standard. However, in colder climates, 4" to 6" of full-depth asphalt is often recommended to prevent cracking and frost heaves. Parking lots for light-duty use should be 4-5" thick, while those for heavy-duty or truck use should be at least 7-8" thick.

How thick of a base is needed?

Professionals typically suggest installing asphalt over a base of compacted crushed rock. For residential driveways on sandy surfaces, a 4" compacted crushed gravel base is recommended, and for clay surfaces, an 8" base is recommended. Parking lots should also have an 8" crushed gravel base. A base can reduce the amount of asphalt needed, with a 4"-6" deep crushed gravel base and a 3" asphalt layer being a cost-effective option for many homes.

How much does it cost to install an asphalt driveway?

The cost to install an asphalt driveway typically ranges from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on size, local labor rates, and the amount of prep work needed. Removal of an existing driveway may increase costs. Labor rates vary by region, significantly impacting the overall cost.