Asphalt Calculator
Paving a driveway or patching a parking lot? Enter the length, width, and depth of your project to find out how much asphalt you need in cubic feet, cubic yards, and US tons — with an adjustable waste factor built in. Switch the material to bitumen and it doubles as a bitumen calculator. This free asphalt calculator shows every step of the math and runs entirely in your browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cubic yard of asphalt weigh?
At the standard compacted density of 145 lb per cubic foot, one cubic yard (27 cubic feet) weighs about 3,915 lb, or roughly 1.96 US tons. This calculator uses 145 lb/ft³ for its tonnage estimate.
How thick should I lay asphalt?
Residential driveways are commonly 2–3 inches of asphalt over 4–8 inches of compacted base. Areas with heavier traffic or soft soil need a thicker section — your contractor can confirm what suits your site.
What is the waste factor for?
It covers spillage, an uneven or over-excavated base, and compaction losses. 5–10% is typical for a straightforward driveway; irregular shapes and hand work call for the higher end.
Can I use this as a bitumen calculator?
Yes — choose "Bitumen, paving grade" in the material dropdown. Pure bitumen is much less dense than hot-mix asphalt (about 65 lb/ft³ vs. 145 lb/ft³), so the same volume weighs far less. The calculator applies the right density automatically and shows the tonnage for either material.
Should I round up my order?
Yes. Suppliers sell by the ton and a short load usually means paying for a second delivery, so rounding up slightly with the waste factor applied is almost always cheaper than coming up short.