How to calculate how much asphalt is needed?

To calculate the volume, multiply the compacted area by the thickness after compaction. Then, multiply this volume by the density of the mixture. As a hot asphalt mixture weighs about 2,400 kg per cubic meter, an area of 42 square meters and a depth of 5 cm will result in a volume of approximately 2.1 cubic meters, which is equivalent to about 5 tons.

What is the density of asphalt?

Hot asphalt mix typically has a density of between 2,200 and 2,400 kilograms per cubic meter, or about 138 to 150 pounds per cubic foot. The higher the density of the mix, the more resistant it is. This tool uses 2,400 kg per cubic meter by default to ensure a conservative estimate.

How thick should an asphalt pavement be?

For private driveways, asphalt layers of 50 to 75 mm thick (2 to 3 inches) are usually applied with a compacted gravel base. Heavier traffic or paving streets will require thicker pavement. You can enter any thickness and switch between centimeters and inches.

How much does asphalt cost per ton?

The cost of asphalt delivered to the job site is usually between 80 and 200 per ton. The exact price varies by region, mix quality, and crude oil prices. If you enable the "Cost Options" option and enter the price per ton for your region, the tool will multiply that price by the quantity entered.

Do you need to order more asphalt than needed?

Yes. Most construction projects order about 5 to 10% more material than the minimum calculated amount because some is lost in compaction, runoff and smoothing. If you enable the "Loss" and "Compaction Reserve" options this additional amount will be automatically added.

Asphalt Calculator

Your paving project

How do you want to enter the area?

Rectangle (length x width)

I already know the area

Length

Width

Thickness (depth)

Asphalt density

Add a waste and compaction allowance

Order a few percent extra to cover compaction, spillage, and trimming.

Estimate the material cost

Multiply the tonnage by a price per metric tonne.

Small job: count bags instead

Turn the tonnage into the number of bagged asphalt units to buy.

Split into aggregate and bitumen

Break the mix into stone aggregate and bitumen binder by weight.

Compare depths side by side

See how the tonnage and cost change across common layer depths.

Asphalt needed (weight)

Enter your area and depth to get the tonnage of hot-mix asphalt to order. Turn on the extra options for waste allowance, cost, bag counts, or the mix split.

Asphalt needed

Surface area: m²
Loose volume: m³

Spread rate: kg/m²

Charts and comparisons

This asphalt calculator tool will calculate the amount of hot mix asphalt needed for driveways, parking lots, streets or repair areas and also estimate the cost. By entering the area and thickness after compaction, this tool calculates the volume and multiplies it by the density of the mix to determine the weight in tons. Additional options allow you to account for loss, estimate construction costs, calculate bags needed for small repairs or separate the mix into aggregates and binder.

What is asphalt made of?

Asphalt, also known as asphalt concrete, is a paving material made from aggregates (crushed stone) and a black sticky oil-based binder called bitumen. The aggregates give the mixture strength while the bitumen coats and binds the stones together. Because it remains somewhat flexible even after hardening, it is more resistant to frost and traffic loads than rigid cement-concrete structures.

Mixtures with a high proportion of aggregates are used for carriageways, parking areas and roads in residential areas. These relatively light mixtures are often referred to as "Blacktop". They are more cost effective as less asphalt is required but still offer sufficient durability for these applications.

How to calculate the required amount of asphalt?

The amount of asphalt required is determined by multiplying the volume and density. The volume of the pavement layer is first calculated, then this is multiplied by the weight of the mixture per cubic meter.

\text{Volume} = \text{Length} \times \text{Width} \times \text{Depth}

\text{Weight} = \text{Volume} \times \text{Density}

Density is an important value. The density of hot asphalt mixtures ranges from about 2,200 to 2,400 kg/m3 which is approximately 138 to 150 lb/cu ft. The higher the density of a mixture, the better its durability. This tool uses 2,400 kg/m3 by default to ensure that estimated results are on the safe side. You can change this value if you know the density of your mix.

The following is an example of a slab with a length of 7 meters, width of 6 meters and thickness of 5 centimeters laid using a mix of density 2,300 kg/m3.

\text{Volume} = 7 \times 6 \times 0.05 = 2.1\ \text{m}^3

\text{Weight} = 2.1 \times 2{,}300 = 4{,}830\ \text{kg} = 4.83\ \text{t}

So you would need to order about 4.83 tonnes of asphalt for this road surface.

How much does an asphalt road cost?

The cost of asphalt delivered to the job site is typically about 80 to 200 per ton. Prices vary by region, quality of mix and current crude oil prices since asphalt is a petroleum product.

Using the example above and a price of 120 per tonne,

\text{Cost} = 4.83\ \text{t} \times 120 = 579.60

These figures are just for the material cost. Transport, labour, a stable gravel base, edge restraints and surface sealing will all be required separately. So get quotes from several companies before deciding.

Symbol	Meaning	Example
Area	Length times width, or entered directly	42 m2
Depth	Compacted layer thickness	0.05 m (5 cm)
Density	Weight per cubic metre of the mix	2,300 kg/m3
Weight	Volume times density	4.83 t
Price	Cost per metric tonne	120
Cost	Weight times price	579.60

Ensuring a long-lasting coating

The mixture is only part of the overall project. If the driving surface will be applied on a stable gravel base, this will extend its life. This allows for good drainage and prevents depressions in the pavement surface. First remove any debris or roots from the area to be paved as these can prevent the asphalt from compacting evenly.

Some waste is always produced when compacting and shaping the mixture. To ensure that there is no material missing during work, it is recommended to order about five to ten percent more material.

This calculator is for planning and educational purposes only. The actual amount required may vary depending on the mix density, compaction level and local conditions. Therefore please treat the results as an estimate and verify with your supplier before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

How to calculate how much asphalt is needed?: To calculate the volume, multiply the compacted area by the thickness after compaction. Then, multiply this volume by the density of the mixture. As a hot asphalt mixture weighs about 2,400 kg per cubic meter, an area of 42 square meters and a depth of 5 cm will result in a volume of approximately 2.1 cubic meters, which is equivalent to about 5 tons.
What is the density of asphalt?: Hot asphalt mix typically has a density of between 2,200 and 2,400 kilograms per cubic meter, or about 138 to 150 pounds per cubic foot. The higher the density of the mix, the more resistant it is. This tool uses 2,400 kg per cubic meter by default to ensure a conservative estimate.
How thick should an asphalt pavement be?: For private driveways, asphalt layers of 50 to 75 mm thick (2 to 3 inches) are usually applied with a compacted gravel base. Heavier traffic or paving streets will require thicker pavement. You can enter any thickness and switch between centimeters and inches.
How much does asphalt cost per ton?: The cost of asphalt delivered to the job site is usually between 80 and 200 per ton. The exact price varies by region, mix quality, and crude oil prices. If you enable the "Cost Options" option and enter the price per ton for your region, the tool will multiply that price by the quantity entered.
Do you need to order more asphalt than needed?: Yes. Most construction projects order about 5 to 10% more material than the minimum calculated amount because some is lost in compaction, runoff and smoothing. If you enable the "Loss" and "Compaction Reserve" options this additional amount will be automatically added.

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Disclaimer: This calculator is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Our calculators are under active development, and results may be inaccurate, incomplete, or unsuitable for your situation. Always verify the figures independently and seek advice from a qualified professional before relying on them. We make no warranties and accept no liability for any loss or decision arising from use of this tool.

References

Wikipedia: Asphalt concrete
Composition, mix types, and typical densities of asphalt concrete.
National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA)
Industry association resources on asphalt pavement design and materials.
U.S. Federal Highway Administration: Pavements
Government reference on pavement materials and construction.