Asphalt Calculator
Estimate cubic yards and tons of asphalt for driveways, parking areas, paths and repair projects.
This asphalt calculator converts your project's length, width and thickness into the volume and weight of asphalt you need to order. It works for driveways, parking areas, paths and repair or overlay projects. Enter your dimensions, add a waste percentage for spillage and irregular edges, and optionally add a cost per ton to estimate total cost before your paving crew arrives.
Your Estimate
Project Area
200.0 ft²
Cubic Feet Needed
50.0 ft³
Cubic Yards Needed
1.85 yd³
Estimated Tons of Asphalt
3.70 tons
Extra for Waste
0.19 yd³
Total Asphalt Including Waste
2.04 yd³ (4.07 tons)
Based on 27 cubic feet per cubic yard and an average asphalt density of 2.0 tons per cubic yard. Confirm exact density and mix requirements with your paving contractor before ordering.
Results Actions
Estimates are approximate. Asphalt density can vary by mix design, aggregate type and compaction.
Common Asphalt Thickness Reference
How to Use the Asphalt Calculator
- 1Measure the length and width of your project area in feet.
- 2Determine your target asphalt thickness in inches based on the project type (see reference table below).
- 3Choose a waste percentage — 10% for simple, straight-edged areas, 15%+ for curves or irregular edges.
- 4Optionally enter a cost per ton to see an estimated total cost.
- 5Read your results instantly: project area, cubic feet, cubic yards, tons and total to order.
Example Calculation
Say you're paving a 20 ft x 10 ft driveway with 3 inches of asphalt and a 10% waste factor. Project area = 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft. Depth in feet = 3 ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft. Cubic feet = 200 × 0.25 = 50 ft³. Cubic yards = 50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 yd³. Estimated weight = 1.85 × 2.0 = 3.70 tons. Extra for waste = 1.85 × 0.10 = 0.19 yd³. Total asphalt including waste = 1.85 + 0.19 = 2.04 yd³, or about 4.07 tons.
Accuracy & Assumptions
- Results are estimates only.
- Asphalt weight and coverage can vary by mix design, aggregate type and supplier.
- Consider ordering an additional 5–10% for compaction and spillage.
- Verify all project measurements before purchasing materials.
- Check local paving contractor recommendations for thickness on heavy-use or commercial applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much asphalt do I need for a driveway?
Residential driveways typically use 2-3 inches of asphalt. For a 500 sq ft driveway at 3 inches, that is about 125 cubic feet, roughly 4.63 cubic yards, or about 9.26 tons before waste.
How thick should asphalt be for a driveway or parking area?
Residential driveways typically run 2-3 inches, heavy-use driveways and parking areas run 3-4 inches, and thin overlays over existing asphalt are usually 1.5-2 inches.
How much does a cubic yard of asphalt weigh?
This calculator uses an average of 2.0 tons per cubic yard, though actual weight varies by mix design and aggregate — confirm with your paving contractor for precise orders.
How much waste should I add for an asphalt project?
Use 10% waste for simple, straight-edged areas, and 15% or more for projects with curves, borders or irregular shapes.
Can I use this calculator for a repair patch?
Yes. Enter the length and width of the patch area and the thickness you plan to apply — most patch repairs run 2-3 inches deep depending on the base condition.
This calculator provides an estimate for planning purposes only. Asphalt density, mix design and supplier specifications vary — always confirm final quantities with your paving contractor before purchasing.