Asphalt: Tonnage, Depth & Mix Types
Estimate hot-mix asphalt tonnage for driveways, lots, and overlays.
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.
Calculate asphalt for your project
Asphalt (hot mix asphalt, HMA) is sold by the ton. Residential driveways use a 2″ surface course over 4–6″ of compacted gravel base. Commercial lots and roads use thicker binder + surface courses.
Compacted HMA weighs ~145 lb/ft³, so 1 ton covers ~80 sq ft at 2″ or ~53 sq ft at 3″. Always add 5% for waste and taper edges.
New driveways typically get a single 2–3″ lift over compacted base. Resurfacing (overlay) is 1.5″ over an existing sound asphalt or milled surface.
Common uses
- Residential driveways
- Parking lots
- Road overlays and patches
- Bike paths and walkways
Types of asphalt
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.
Frequently asked
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.