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Asphalt Calculator

Calculate how many tons of asphalt you need for your driveway, parking lot, or paving project. Get cubic yards and tonnage instantly.

Paving details

Asphalt needed

8.7 tons

Approximately 4.44 cubic yards. Asphalt is sold and delivered by the ton.

Project breakdown:

Surface area

480 sq ft

Volume

120 cu ft

Frequently Asked Questions about the Asphalt Calculator

How deep should asphalt be for a residential driveway?
Standard residential driveways use 2 to 3 inches of compacted asphalt over a 4 to 8 inch gravel base. Heavy vehicles (RVs, trucks) need 4 inches.
Does the calculator account for compaction?
It uses a standard compacted hot-mix density of 145 lbs per cubic foot to convert volume to tonnage. Job-site losses (edge waste, uneven subgrade, and roller compaction) still vary, so order 5 to 10 percent extra to be safe.
Asphalt vs concrete: which costs less?
Asphalt is typically $7 to $13 per sqft installed, concrete is $8 to $18 per sqft. Asphalt is cheaper upfront and faster to install but needs sealcoating every 3 to 5 years.
How long until I can drive on new asphalt?
Wait 24 to 48 hours for foot traffic and 3 to 5 days before parking vehicles. Full curing takes 6 to 12 months, so avoid sharp turns and heavy loads early on.
How much waste should I add to my order?
Add 5 to 10 percent extra for compaction, edge spillage, and uneven subgrade. For irregular shapes or sloped areas, go up to 15 percent.