Use this asphalt tonnage calculator to estimate hot-mix asphalt (HMA) for driveways, parking lots, and overlays. Compacted HMA weighs about 145 lb/ft³, and 1 ton covers approximately 80 sq ft at a 2-inch depth or 53 sq ft at a 3-inch depth. Add 5% for waste and tapered edges.
Weight
~3,900–4,050 lb per cubic yard (compacted)
Weight
~3,900–4,050 lb per cubic yard (compacted)
Density
140–150 lb/ft³
Coverage
1 ton of compacted HMA covers ~80 sq ft at 2″ depth.
How do I calculate how much asphalt I need?
Asphalt (hot-mix asphalt, HMA) is sold by the ton. Residential driveways typically use a 2-inch surface course over 4–6 inches of compacted gravel base. Commercial parking lots and roads use thicker binder and surface courses.
What is asphalt used for?
- Residential driveways
- Parking lots
- Road overlays and patches
- Bike paths and walkways
Which types of asphalt are there?
Surface (wearing) course
Fine aggregate, smooth finish. Top 1.5–2″.
Binder course
Coarser mix for structural strength. Under the surface course.
Cold patch
Bagged, no heating needed. Pothole and crack repair.
Porous asphalt
Allows water through. Green infrastructure applications.
What else do people ask about asphalt?
How thick should a driveway be?
2–3″ of compacted HMA over 4–6″ of compacted gravel base.
How much does a ton of asphalt cover?
~80 sq ft at 2″, ~53 sq ft at 3″.
When can I drive on new asphalt?
24 hours for light vehicles; wait 3–7 days for heavy loads and turning.