Asphalt Calculator

Formula

volumeCuFt = area × (depth / 12)volumeCuYd = volumeCuFt / 27tons = (volumeCuFt × 145) / 2000totalCuYd = ⌈volumeCuYd × (1 + compaction%) × (1 + waste%) × 10⌉ / 10totalTons = ⌈tons × (1 + compaction%) × (1 + waste%) × 10⌉ / 10

Parameters

Depth

Layer thickness. Residential: 2–3", parking: 3–4".

Compaction %

Material compresses during rolling. Typically 10%.

Waste %

Extra for edges and handwork. Typically 5%.

Results

Cubic Yards

Loose asphalt volume before compaction.

Tons

HMA weight to order from plant.

Example

volumeCuFt = 3000 × (3/12) = 750 cu ftvolumeCuYd = 750 / 27 = 27.78tons = (750 × 145) / 2000 = 54.38totalCuYd = ⌈27.78 × 1.10 × 1.05 × 10⌉ / 10 = 32.1 cu ydtotalTons = ⌈54.38 × 1.10 × 1.05 × 10⌉ / 10 = 62.9 tons

Common Use Cases

• Residential driveways
• Commercial parking lots
• Private roads and paths
• Sports court overlays

Notes

• HMA density 145 lb/cu ft is for dense-graded mixes.
• Order 10% extra for compaction — separate from waste.
• Lift thickness rule: compacted thickness should be ≤3× the max aggregate size. Most residential mixes (½″ max aggregate) limit individual lifts to 1.5″ compacted — order multiple passes for thicker pavements.
• Hot-mix asphalt must be placed above 50°F ambient and laid within ~2 hours of leaving the plant.

Frequently Asked Questions