Asphalt Calculator – Estimate Blacktop Tonnage
Estimate the amount of asphalt and base needed for a driveway parking lot, or small road and estimate the price of material using our calculator below.
Material Estimate:
| Hot Mix Asphalt: | |
| Crushed Stone Base: |
Estimated Material Cost:
| Hot Mix Asphalt: | $ |
|---|---|
| Crushed Stone: | $ |
| Equipment Rentals & Supplies: | $ |
| Estimated Total Cost: | $ |
Installation Overview:
| Driveway/Lot Area: | |
|---|---|
| Driveway/Lot Perimeter: |
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Joe is the creator of Inch Calculator and has over 20 years of experience in engineering and construction. He holds several degrees and certifications.
Sarabeth is an expert in the home and garden industry and was formerly a certified kitchen and bathroom designer. She is a subject matter expert in home improvement and is often quoted in notable publications.
How to Estimate Asphalt
Asphalt is a cost-effective and attractive option for a driveway or parking lot compared to alternatives, such as concrete, and requires little maintenance. Its dark color gives it an attractive appearance and hides imperfections.
Blacktop is a popular material in the north and areas where freeze/thaw conditions may cause materials like concrete to crack. Asphalt is made of a mixture of aggregates, including sand, crushed stone, or gravel held together with a binder made of bitumen.
Different grades and types of asphalt are available, which can influence things like cost and usage. When preparing for a new driveway, it’s essential to estimate the asphalt and other materials needed and be armed with a realistic labor cost to ensure you get a fair price.
How Much Asphalt Do You Need?
Hot mix asphalt is most often sold by the ton, and coverage varies based on the mix of aggregate and binder. Most asphalt mixes used for driveways and parking lots will weigh 142-148 pounds per cubic foot of coverage, with 145 being the average.
Using this formula, it is possible to find out how much asphalt you’ll need for a project.
To find the cubic footage of the project, multiply the length by the width by the depth in feet, then by the depth of the asphalt, or just use a cubic footage calculator. For example, 3” of asphalt is equal to 0.25 feet.
For example, a 10′ wide x 20′ long driveway with a depth of 3″ would be 50 cubic feet.
10′ × 20′ × 0.25′ = 50 ft3
To find the amount of asphalt needed, multiply the cubic footage by 145 to find the total weight needed, then divide by 2,000.
50 ft3 × 145 = 7,250 lbs
7,250 lbs ÷ 2,000 = 3.625 tons
You might also be interested in our asphalt sealer calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should asphalt be?
You can install asphalt in different thicknesses, but 3″ is the minimum thickness you should install. Residential driveways should be a minimum of 3″ thick with a 2″ thick base layer of asphalt and a 1″ thick top-wearing surface.
However, in cold climates, it is frequently recommended that you go thicker, using between 4″ and 6″ of full-depth asphalt. This will ensure that your driveway will be less likely to crack or develop frost heaves over time.
Parking lots expecting light-duty usage should be a minimum of 4-5″ thick, while parking lots designed for heavy-duty or truck use should be at least 7-8″ thick.
How thick of a base is needed?
Most professionals suggest installing asphalt over a base of compacted crushed rock. Residential driveways installed over a sandy surface should have a 4″ compacted crushed gravel base, and driveways installed over clay should have an 8″ compacted crushed gravel base. Parking lots should also have an 8″ crushed gravel base.
Using a base can help you reduce the amount of asphalt needed. A base of crushed gravel that is 4” to 6” deep with a 3” base of asphalt on top can be a good option for many homes and may save over using a full thickness of asphalt.
How much does it cost to install an asphalt driveway?
Asphalt driveways typically cost $4,000 – $8,000 to install, depending on the size, local labor rates, and amount of prep work needed. If you need to remove an existing driveway, the costs could increase. Labor rates vary in different regions, and the overall cost will vary significantly with the cost of labor.