Bitumen
The black petroleum binder that glues aggregate into asphalt, making up 4–7% of hot mix by weight. Bitumen is a crude-oil refining product, which ties asphalt prices to oil markets. Graded under the Superpave PG system by the temperatures it must survive.
Where this appears in real estimates
This term isn't trivia — it's a working variable. These tools use it directly:
- bitumen calculator — Calculate bitumen binder tonnage from total asphalt mix weight and binder percentage.…
- asphalt calculator — Calculate tons of hot mix asphalt for driveways, parking lots and roads, with compaction, …
- sealcoating calculator — Gallons and pails of asphalt sealer needed by area and number of coats.…
Go deeper
- Laminate vs Luxury Vinyl Plank — head-to-head decision guide
- Full Lawn Renovation — full project walkthrough
- Deck Cost in California — local pricing & climate
- Read the field guide on the blog — practitioner-level detail
- Related engineering article — from our licensed engineer
Reviewed: · Part of the CalculatorAsphalt Construction Glossary · Sources: see methodology & standards.