Driveway · updated 2026
Asphalt Tonnage Calculator
Asphalt is sold by the ton, but driveways are measured in feet — and guessing wrong means a cold, half-paved driveway or paying for a truckload you didn’t need. This asphalt tonnage calculator converts your length, width, and depth into tons of hot mix asphalt using the industry-standard compacted density of 145 lb per cubic foot. It also shows the 2026 material cost: hot mix runs $100–$150 per ton at the plant, so a typical 2-car driveway needs 7–12 tons.
2–3 in for residential driveways over a prepared base
Covers irregular edges and handwork
Show the math
Volume = 40 × 15 × (3 ÷ 12) = 150.0 ft³
Weight = 150.0 × 145 lb/ft³ ÷ 2,000 = 10.88 tons
With 5% waste = 11.42 tons
Material cost = 11.42 × $100–$150/ton = 1141.88 – 1712.81
What the numbers mean
Volume is the footprint multiplied by the material depth. Cubic yards help compare supplier quotes; tons are the purchase unit for asphalt and gravel.
The asphalt calculator applies 145 lb per cubic foot. The gravel calculator applies 110 lb per cubic foot. Asphalt also adds the waste factor you select.
The material cost is a national planning range before delivery, labor, excavation, base preparation, tax, or other project-specific charges.
2026 material prices
| Material | 2026 average price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hot mix asphalt, plant pickup | $100.00 – $150.00 / ton | 2026 national average; delivered loads cost more |
Material prices: getasphaltcalculator.com 2026 asphalt price guide, Sep 2026. National averages; local prices vary. 2026 U.S. national averages. Prices vary by region and retailer — confirm locally before buying.
Pro tips
- Residential driveways want 2–3 in of compacted asphalt over 4–8 in of compacted gravel base.
- Rule of thumb: 1 ton covers about 80–100 sq ft at 2 in thick.
- Hot mix must be placed in warm, dry weather (above about 50°F) — cold mix from bags is for patches, not driveways.
- Order 5% extra; a short load costs more in delays than the extra half-ton costs.
- Fresh asphalt needs 24–72 hours before parking on it, longer in heat.
- Sealcoat 6–12 months after paving, then every 2–3 years — it doubles pavement life.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of asphalt for a driveway?
A standard 2-car driveway (20×30 ft = 600 sq ft) at 3 in thick needs about 11 tons with waste. Use the calculator above for your exact size.
How thick should a residential asphalt driveway be?
Use 2–3 in of compacted hot mix over a 4–8 in gravel base. Go 3 in if you park trucks or an RV on it.
How many square feet does a ton of asphalt cover?
About 80–100 sq ft at 2 in thick, or 160–200 sq ft at 1 in.
Tons vs cubic yards — what’s the difference?
Asphalt is sold by weight. One compacted cubic yard weighs roughly 2 tons (3,915 lb at 145 lb/ft³).
Can I lay asphalt myself?
Hot mix needs a paver, roller, and crew — it’s not a DIY material. DIYers should use cold-patch bags for repairs only.
How much does an asphalt driveway cost?
Materials run $1,142–$1,713 for a typical 600 sq ft driveway at the default 3-in thickness and 5% waste; professionally installed with base prep, expect $2,400–$4,200 total.
Related calculators
Planning estimates only. Prices are 2026 U.S. national averages and vary by region — confirm with your local supplier before buying.