Asphalt Calculator: Volume in Cubic Yards and Tons

Asphalt is sold by the ton, but most projects are measured in feet and inches. This calculator bridges the two: enter the length and width of the area and the depth of the asphalt layer, and it converts that volume into cubic feet, cubic yards and tons.

The weight calculation uses a density assumption of 145 pounds per cubic foot. That is a standard planning figure for compacted hot-mix asphalt; the actual density of a delivered mix can vary slightly, so treat the tonnage as an estimate and confirm the final order with your supplier.

Depth is entered in inches, so it is first converted to feet by dividing by 12. The three steps are:

Volume (cubic feet) = length (ft) x width (ft) x (depth (in) / 12)

Volume (cubic yards) = cubic feet / 27

Weight (tons) = cubic feet x 145 lb per cubic foot / 2000

One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, and one ton equals 2000 pounds — those two conversions are all that stand between a measured area and an order quantity.

A driveway 20 feet long and 10 feet wide, paved 3 inches deep:

1. Depth in feet: 3 / 12 = 0.25 ft
2. Cubic feet: 20 x 10 x 0.25 = 50.00 cu ft
3. Cubic yards: 50.00 / 27 = 1.85 cu yd
4. Tons: 50.00 x 145 / 2000 = 3.63 tons

So the job needs about 1.85 cubic yards, or about 3.63 tons, of asphalt before any allowance for waste or compaction.

Depth changes the order more than most people expect: doubling the depth doubles the tonnage. The table below holds the area fixed at 20 ft x 10 ft (200 square feet) and varies only the depth, using the same 145 lb per cubic foot density.

Use the same idea for any area: the calculator above recomputes this table for your own length and width when you submit the form.

Measure the area in a few places and use the largest length and width — an area that is wider at one end than the other will need more material than the smallest measurement suggests. Irregular shapes should be split into rectangles and estimated one piece at a time.

For the base layer underneath the asphalt, a concrete calculator can help when part of the project uses a concrete pad or footing instead of asphalt.

For loose-surface areas such as paths and borders around the paved section, a gravel calculator estimates the stone by the same volume method, with a different density.

Finally, allow a small margin over the calculated tonnage for uneven ground and trimming at the edges, and confirm the density and minimum order with your supplier before booking delivery.