3 in
Residential driveway
Passenger cars on a well-drained, properly compacted aggregate base.
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Free Asphalt Calculator Tonnage, cost & coverage.
Turn real dimensions into a defensible material budget in under a minute—before a truck or contractor arrives.
✓ 50 states + DC ✓ 3 mix types ✓ 2026 pricing
Instant material estimate
Build your estimate
Read the number correctly
The calculator estimates compacted asphalt material. It intentionally leaves out excavation, base, delivery, labor, equipment, and permits so you can see what the mix itself contributes to a quote.
Asphalt calculator formula
How much asphalt do you need?
An asphalt tonnage calculator converts a paved area into volume, then converts that compacted volume into weight. Start with length × width. Multiply the area by compacted thickness—after changing inches to feet—to get cubic feet. Finally, multiply by density and divide pounds by 2,000:
Tons = length (ft) × width (ft) × thickness (in ÷ 12) × density (lb/ft³) ÷ 2,000
For a 20 × 20 foot driveway at 3 inches, the compacted volume is 100 cubic feet. At the calculator’s hot-mix assumption of 145 lb/ft³, that equals 7.25 tons before allowances. Five percent waste plus a three percent field compaction allowance brings the ordering estimate to about 7.8 tons.
Density is the assumption people most often miss when asking “how much asphalt do I need?” Hot mix is commonly estimated near 145 lb/ft³, but an approved job mix may differ. Use a supplier’s density when available. Measure irregular paving as several rectangles, calculate each, and add the quantities. Curves, widening, and handwork also justify a larger waste allowance.
Asphalt coverage calculator
Asphalt coverage table: 1 ton at every thickness
Thickness changes coverage in direct proportion. One ton covers twice as much area at 2 inches as it does at 4 inches. These values use compacted hot mix at 145 lb/ft³ and exclude waste.
| Compacted thickness | Typical planning use | Coverage per ton | Tons for 400 ft² |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2" | Overlay / light duty | 82.8 ft² | 4.83 |
| 3" | Residential driveway | 55.2 ft² | 7.25 |
| 4" | Parking / heavier use | 41.4 ft² | 9.67 |
| 6" | Heavy-duty section | 27.6 ft² | 14.5 |
Planning values are rounded. “Thickness” means the finished compacted lift—not loose depth before rolling.
Asphalt driveway cost calculator
How much does an asphalt driveway cost in 2026?
Installed asphalt driveway prices are often discussed per square foot, but that single figure hides the project structure. For early planning, a straightforward replacement or new driveway may fall around $5–$12 per square foot. Small jobs, difficult access, extensive excavation, drainage, thick base repair, curbs, or premium finishes can cost more.
Separate the estimate into asphalt material, trucking, preparation, placement, and extras. A 400 ft² driveway at 3 inches needs about 7.8 tons with the default allowances. At $90–$160 per ton, the hot-mix material is roughly $700–$1,250. That is not the installed price: mobilizing a paver and roller, removing old pavement, grading, aggregate, and crew time may outweigh the mix on a small site.
What moves an installed quote?
- 01
Base condition
Soft soil, poor drainage, and failed aggregate must be corrected first.
- 02
Mobilization
Small projects still need trucking, a paver or hand crew, rollers, and setup.
- 03
Access & geometry
Gates, slopes, curves, utility covers, and handwork reduce production.
- 04
Order timing
Plant distance, minimum loads, fuel, and local demand affect delivered price.
Design before you order
Asphalt thickness guide by project type
Thickness is not a substitute for a stable base. These compacted depths are estimating starts; soil, traffic, climate, and local specifications should determine the final pavement section.
4 in
Parking lot
Light commercial traffic with stronger lanes or separate truck areas.
5–6 in
Road or heavy lane
Frequent delivery trucks and heavier repetitions; engineering advised.
2 in
Overlay
A surface course over pavement that is structurally sound and properly repaired.
Asphalt is placed in compacted lifts. A 6-inch design may be built in two courses rather than one thick pass. Ask whether a quote states loose or compacted depth, whether thickness is average or minimum, and whether heavy-use areas receive a different section.
2026 regional prices
Asphalt cost per ton by state
The state selector uses a broad material-only range for preliminary budgets. Asphalt is perishable and must arrive hot enough to compact, so plant distance matters. A nearby producer, full truckload, common mix, and flexible schedule generally price better than a small specialty order with a long haul.
These figures are editorial planning estimates updated for 2026, not live supplier quotes or government bid indices. Use them to spot a major mismatch, then call local plants or paving contractors for current delivered pricing.
View planning prices for all 50 states + DC
| State | 2026 material range | Climate planning tag |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $90–$140/ton | hot humid |
| Alaska | $145–$225/ton | cold |
| Arizona | $95–$150/ton | hot dry |
| Arkansas | $85–$135/ton | mixed humid |
| California | $120–$190/ton | varied |
| Colorado | $100–$160/ton | cold dry |
| Connecticut | $120–$185/ton | freeze thaw |
| Delaware | $105–$165/ton | mixed humid |
| District of Columbia | $125–$195/ton | mixed humid |
| Florida | $100–$150/ton | hot humid |
| Georgia | $90–$145/ton | hot humid |
| Hawaii | $150–$240/ton | tropical |
| Idaho | $95–$155/ton | cold dry |
| Illinois | $95–$155/ton | freeze thaw |
| Indiana | $90–$145/ton | freeze thaw |
| Iowa | $90–$145/ton | freeze thaw |
| Kansas | $85–$140/ton | mixed dry |
| Kentucky | $90–$145/ton | mixed humid |
| Louisiana | $90–$145/ton | hot humid |
| Maine | $120–$185/ton | cold |
| Maryland | $105–$165/ton | mixed humid |
| Massachusetts | $125–$195/ton | freeze thaw |
| Michigan | $95–$155/ton | freeze thaw |
| Minnesota | $95–$155/ton | cold |
| Mississippi | $85–$140/ton | hot humid |
| Missouri | $85–$140/ton | mixed humid |
| Montana | $105–$170/ton | cold dry |
| Nebraska | $90–$145/ton | mixed dry |
| Nevada | $100–$160/ton | hot dry |
| New Hampshire | $120–$185/ton | cold |
| New Jersey | $115–$180/ton | freeze thaw |
| New Mexico | $95–$150/ton | hot dry |
| New York | $115–$185/ton | freeze thaw |
| North Carolina | $90–$145/ton | mixed humid |
| North Dakota | $100–$165/ton | cold |
| Ohio | $90–$150/ton | freeze thaw |
| Oklahoma | $85–$135/ton | mixed dry |
| Oregon | $105–$170/ton | cool wet |
| Pennsylvania | $105–$170/ton | freeze thaw |
| Rhode Island | $125–$195/ton | freeze thaw |
| South Carolina | $90–$145/ton | hot humid |
| South Dakota | $95–$155/ton | cold dry |
| Tennessee | $85–$140/ton | mixed humid |
| Texas | $85–$135/ton | hot varied |
| Utah | $100–$160/ton | cold dry |
| Vermont | $120–$185/ton | cold |
| Virginia | $95–$155/ton | mixed humid |
| Washington | $105–$170/ton | cool wet |
| West Virginia | $100–$160/ton | mixed humid |
| Wisconsin | $95–$155/ton | cold |
| Wyoming | $105–$170/ton | cold dry |
Hot mix asphalt calculator
Hot mix vs warm mix vs porous asphalt
“Asphalt” is not one universal material. Select the intended mix so the calculator uses an appropriate planning density, then confirm production availability and job specification locally.
Default · 145 lb/ft³
Hot mix asphalt
The familiar dense-graded choice for driveways, streets, and parking lots. It is produced and placed hot so hauling and weather windows matter. Hot mix has wide availability and established local designs.
Lower temperature · 143 lb/ft³
Warm mix asphalt
Additives or foaming allow production and placement at lower temperatures. Benefits may include lower fuel use, reduced fumes, and a longer compaction window. Performance depends on the mix design, not the label alone.
Open graded · 135 lb/ft³
Porous asphalt
Connected voids let water drain through the surface into a specially designed stone reservoir. It is a stormwater system, not simply a different top layer, and needs careful subgrade, overflow, and maintenance design.
Quote verification
Is your contractor quote fair?
Use the asphalt calculator to compare quantity first. If a contractor’s tonnage is higher, ask whether the quote includes thicker sections, leveling, irregular geometry, or a larger field allowance. A thoughtful answer is more valuable than forcing every bid to match the calculator.
Next compare scope line by line. The lowest number may omit excavation, aggregate base, tack coat, drainage, edge support, utility adjustments, striping, or cleanup. Confirm compacted thickness, paved area, mix designation, warranty, payment schedule, and who handles permits. Check licensing and insurance through the appropriate state or local source.
Ask every bidder the same seven questions
- What is the exact paved area?
- Is thickness compacted or loose?
- What mix and tonnage are included?
- How will the base be prepared?
- Where will surface water drain?
- What changes trigger added cost?
- Who provides permits and warranty?
Straight answers
Frequently asked questions
The calculator is precise about its math and deliberately cautious about field conditions.
How much asphalt do I need for a 20 × 20 driveway?
A 20-by-20-foot driveway is 400 square feet. At 3 inches compacted and 145 pounds per cubic foot, it needs about 7.25 tons before allowances. With 5% waste and 3% compaction allowance, plan for roughly 7.8 tons. Your supplier may round the order based on truck capacity or minimum-load policies.
Is 2 inches of asphalt enough for a driveway?
Two compacted inches can work as an overlay on a sound existing pavement, but it is a thin assumption for a new driveway. New residential asphalt is commonly planned at 3 inches over a properly prepared aggregate base. Weak soil, drainage problems, heavy vehicles, or freeze-thaw cycles may require a thicker engineered section.
How many square feet does one ton of asphalt cover?
At a compacted density of 145 lb/ft³, one U.S. ton covers about 83 square feet at 2 inches, 55 square feet at 3 inches, 41 square feet at 4 inches, or 28 square feet at 6 inches. Mix density and actual field compaction cause small variations.
How much is asphalt per ton in 2026?
A useful U.S. material-only planning range is $90–$160 per ton in 2026. Local plant competition, crude oil, aggregate, mix specification, order size, and trucking distance can move a quote below or above that range. Installation, base repair, permits, and taxes are separate.
Should I order extra asphalt?
Yes. A 5% waste factor is reasonable for simple measured areas; irregular edges, handwork, multiple small sections, and uncertain dimensions can justify more. The calculator also includes a separate compaction allowance. Confirm ordering practice with the plant or contractor before dispatch.
Does the asphalt calculator include labor and delivery?
No. The highlighted cost is asphalt material only, calculated from a 2026 state-level price range. Hauling, crew labor, equipment, excavation, aggregate base, drainage, permits, striping, taxes, and small-load fees are not included. This separation makes supplier and contractor quotes easier to audit.
What density does this hot mix asphalt calculator use?
The default hot-mix density is 145 pounds per compacted cubic foot. Warm mix uses 143 lb/ft³ and porous asphalt uses 135 lb/ft³. A project specification or supplier-provided density should take precedence because aggregate and air-void content vary.