Asphalt calculator
Enter the length, width, and thickness of the area you are paving. This tool estimates tons of compacted hot mix asphalt and includes a 10 percent waste allowance.
Your dimensions
Tons needed
16.0
Estimated cost: $1,595 to $3,190
Prices are typical ranges as of June 2026. Your local price will vary.
Assumptions
- •Uses a typical density of 145 lb per cubic foot for compacted hot mix asphalt.
- •Estimates the asphalt surface layer only, not the gravel base course beneath it.
- •Price range is a typical bulk range and excludes delivery, milling, or paving labor.
Questions this calculator answers
How many tons of asphalt do I need for a 20 by 40 foot driveway at 3 inches thick?
14.5 tons. That is 800 square feet times 3 inches of thickness, divided by 12 to convert to feet, times 145 pounds per cubic foot for compacted hot mix asphalt, divided by 2000 to get tons.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
2 to 3 inches is typical for a residential driveway surface course, sometimes with an additional base course underneath on soft soil. Roads carrying heavier vehicles use thicker courses.
Does asphalt need a gravel base underneath?
Yes, in most residential driveways. A compacted gravel base, often 4 to 6 inches, supports the asphalt layer and helps drainage. This calculator estimates the asphalt layer only; use the gravel calculator for the base.
Why is asphalt sold by the ton instead of the square foot?
Hot mix asphalt is priced and delivered by weight, since paving crews need to know how much material a truck is carrying, not just how much area it could theoretically cover. This calculator converts your area and thickness into tons for that reason.
How much does asphalt shrink or compact after laying?
Hot mix is compacted with a roller shortly after laying, and the 145 lb per cubic foot density this calculator uses already reflects compacted asphalt, not loose mix straight off the truck.