How to use this calculator
- Enter Length in ft.
- Enter Width in ft.
- Enter Thickness in in — or tap a preset badge to auto-fill a typical value.
- Enter Compaction in %.
- Enter Waste in %.
- Enter Price per ton in $.
- Press Calculate. The highlighted row is your order quantity; the note beneath it translates the number into real-world terms.
Formula & constants
Multiply length × width × (thickness ÷ 12) for cubic feet, then × 145 lb/ft³ ÷ 2,000 for tons. Add 8% compaction and 5% waste. One ton covers about 55 sq ft at 3 in compacted. Every default in the fields above is editable — when your supplier’s spec sheet lists a different density, coverage rate or price, enter that number instead. The waste and compaction allowances follow common trade practice; see our methodology page for the derivation of each formula and the standards it references.
Coverage per ton at 145 lb/ft³
| Depth | 1 ton covers | Tons per 1,000 sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 83 sq ft | 12.0 tons |
| 3 in | 55 sq ft | 18.2 tons |
| 4 in | 41 sq ft | 24.4 tons |
| 6 in | 28 sq ft | 35.7 tons |
≈ 1 tandem truckload. One ton covers ~55 sq ft at 3 in compacted.
Where this fits in the project
Paving is sequential: the site is excavated to design depth, a gravel base course is placed and compacted, hot mix is laid and rolled, and the cured surface is protected with sealcoat every 2–3 years. Run this calculator after base quantities are settled so the lift thickness sits on a stable, drained foundation.
How this connects to your project
No quantity stands alone — each material in the chain depends on the ones around it. These are the planning steps that pair with the asphalt calculator:
- Asphalt Cost Calculator — Once you know tonnage, estimate your total asphalt cost.
- Gravel Calculator — Before asphalt, calculate the gravel base course needed underneath.
- Excavation Calculator — Excavate to proper depth before laying asphalt.
- Sealcoating Calculator — Protect your new asphalt with sealcoating every 2-3 years.
- Pavement Calculator — Asphalt is the surface layer in a complete pavement structure.
- Bitumen Calculator — Hot mix asphalt contains approximately 5-7% bitumen binder.
- Crack Filler Calculator — Repair cracks before they expand with crack filler.
- Tack Coat Calculator — Tack coat ensures proper bonding between asphalt lifts.
- Asphalt Milling Calculator — Old asphalt is removed by milling before resurfacing.
- Driveway Cost Estimator — Asphalt is a primary material option for driveway projects.
- Compaction Calculator — Asphalt must be compacted to 92-96% density.
- Truckload Calculator — Convert asphalt tonnage to truckloads for delivery planning.
- Concrete Calculator — Compare asphalt with concrete for your project.
- Sub-base Calculator — A proper sub-base prevents asphalt cracking and settlement.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of asphalt per square foot?
At 3 in compacted, about 0.018 tons per sq ft at 145 lb/ft³ density — one ton covers roughly 55 sq ft.
What compaction factor should I use?
Fresh hot mix compresses 8–12% when rolled. Add 8–10% so the finished layer reaches the specified depth.
Do I need a gravel base under asphalt?
Yes — 6–8 in of compacted gravel spreads load and prevents freeze-thaw cracking. Size it with the gravel calculator first.
Last verified: — prices reflect current national averages. See our methodology.
Estimates are for planning. Material densities, coverage rates and prices vary by region and supplier — confirm final quantities before ordering, and check local code where structural or electrical work is involved.