How to calculate asphalt tonnage
Compacted hot-mix asphalt weighs about 145 lb per cubic foot (roughly 2 tons per cubic yard), so:
tons = area (sq ft) × thickness (in) × 145 ÷ 12 ÷ 2,000
Pavers use a shortcut: 110 lb per square yard per inch of thickness. 600 sq ft (66.7 yd²) at 3 inches × 110 lb = 22,000 lb = 11 tons — the same answer.
Asphalt for common driveways
| Driveway | Size | 2" thick | 3" thick | 4" thick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single driveway | 50 × 10 ft | 6 t | 9.1 t | 12.1 t |
| Two-car driveway | 40 × 20 ft | 9.7 t | 14.5 t | 19.3 t |
| Long single driveway | 100 × 12 ft | 14.5 t | 21.8 t | 29 t |
| Parking pad | 20 × 10 ft | 2.4 t | 3.6 t | 4.8 t |
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
- 2–3 inches compacted for residential driveways, over a 4–8 inch compacted gravel base.
- 1½–2 inches for an overlay on sound existing asphalt.
- 3–4 inches (often in two lifts) where trucks, RVs or trailers park.
Thickness here means compacted. Loose asphalt from the truck shrinks about 25% under the roller, so a 3" finished mat is laid about 3¾" thick — the tonnage is the same either way.
Planning the whole job? See the asphalt driveway cost calculator.
FAQ
How much does a ton of asphalt cover?
About 80 sq ft at 2 inches, 55 sq ft at 3 inches and 41 sq ft at 4 inches.
How much does asphalt cost per ton?
Hot mix typically costs $100–$180 per ton at the plant in 2026. Installed driveways are priced per square foot instead, because labor, base and equipment dominate.
Are asphalt millings cheaper?
Yes — recycled millings often cost $10–$45 per ton. They make a firm, low-cost surface for rural drives and parking areas, but not the smooth finish of new hot mix.