How to calculate asphalt
Tons = length × width × (thickness ÷ 12) × 145 ÷ 2,000
Worked example. Asphalt needed: 8.7 tons.
Example inputs — Length: 40 ft; Width: 12 ft; Thickness: 3 in; Price per ton (optional): $120. Starting values are illustrative.
From George Guju, founder of Calculyn · Educational calculator guidance, not professional advice.
How it works
Hot-mix asphalt weighs about 145 pounds per cubic foot. Driveways typically use 2–3 inches over a compacted gravel base.
Assumptions & limitations
- Asphalt density of 145 lb per cubic foot
- Cost uses your price per ton; delivery and labor not included
Formula and assumptions reviewed October 2026 by the Calculyn team. How we build our calculators
Frequently asked questions
How thick should a driveway be?
2–3 inches of asphalt over 4–6 inches of compacted gravel is standard for cars.