Quick answer
To calculate asphalt tonnage: tons = square feet × thickness (inches) ÷ 162 for compacted hot mix asphalt. A 30 × 12 driveway at 3 inches needs 6.67 US tons (add 5–10% waste). Use the free asphalt calculator for multi-area projects.
How to calculate asphalt tonnage (formula)
Tons = Square feet × Thickness (inches) ÷ 162
Or step-by-step:
Cubic yards = (L × W × thickness in feet) ÷ 27 Tons = Cubic yards × ~2.0 (compacted HMA)
The 162 shortcut comes from 12 × 2,000 ÷ 145 (lb per cubic foot for typical compacted HMA).
Step-by-step: calculate tons of asphalt
- Measure length and width in feet (or start from known square feet).
- Choose thickness in inches (driveways often 2–3 in).
- Apply tons = sq ft × inches ÷ 162.
- Add 5–10% for waste and irregular edges.
- Optional: multiply by price per ton or per square foot for cost.
Worked example: 40 × 20 parking pad at 3 inches.
- Area: 800 sq ft
- Tons: 800 × 3 ÷ 162 = 14.81 tons
- With 8% waste: ≈ 16.0 tons to order
- At $150/ton installed: ≈ $2,400
Asphalt calculator square feet to tons
| Area (sq ft) | 2 in (tons) | 3 in (tons) | 4 in (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | 2.47 | 3.70 | 4.94 |
| 360 | 4.44 | 6.67 | 8.89 |
| 500 | 6.17 | 9.26 | 12.35 |
| 1,000 | 12.35 | 18.52 | 24.69 |
Measure area with the square footage calculator, then convert volume with square feet to cubic yards.
Hot mix vs millings vs cold patch
| Material | Typical tons/cu yd | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Hot mix asphalt (compacted) | 1.96–2.0 | Driveways, lots, roads |
| Asphalt millings (RAP) | ~1.49 | Budget driveways, base |
| Cold mix / cold patch | ~1.76 | Potholes, temporary repairs |
Density changes tonnage — see the asphalt tonnage calculator guide.
From tonnage to driveway cost
After you know tons, estimate cost with $100–$200 per ton installed or $3–$7 per square foot. Full pricing context: asphalt driveway cost guide.