How the asphalt Calculator works
Hot mix asphalt weighs about 145 pounds per cubic foot once compacted, so tonnage is volume times density divided by 2,000. Contractors quote and buy by the ton, which makes this the number that controls your paving budget.
Tons = L × W × thickness(in)/12 × 145 ÷ 2000
Example: a 40 by 12 foot driveway at 3 inches compacted is 120 cubic feet, about 8.7 tons. At $120 per ton the material alone runs near $1,050.
Frequently asked questions
How thick should driveway asphalt be?
Two to three inches of compacted hot mix over a 6 to 8 inch compacted gravel base is the residential standard. The base does more for longevity than extra asphalt thickness.
Does asphalt compact thinner than it is laid?
Yes, it compacts roughly 25%: pavers lay about 4 inches loose to finish at 3 inches. This calculator uses the final compacted thickness.
What does asphalt cost per ton?
Hot mix typically runs $100 to $200 per ton for material depending on oil prices and region, with installed driveway costs commonly $4 to $8 per square foot.