Landscape & Groundwork
Asphalt Calculator
Estimate asphalt tonnage from area, compacted thickness and supplier density.
Enter your measurements
Results update as you type.
About this calculator
Enter the paved area and finished (compacted) thickness, plus your supplier's compacted mix density, to get the mass to order in US short tons or metric tonnes. Loose density and compacted geometry are never mixed — the thickness you enter is the finished compacted thickness.
How to measure
- Measure the finished (compacted) thickness, not the loose spread depth.
- Split driveways with tapers into rectangles and add each one.
- Tonnage needs the supplier's compacted density — without it you still get the exact volume.
How to use this calculator
- Measure the area to pave.
- Enter the finished compacted thickness, not the loose spread thickness.
- Ask the supplier for compacted density and enter it.
- Add an allowance if desired, then read the order mass.
Formula
Compacted volume = area × compacted thickness
Mass = compacted volume × compacted density
Order mass = mass × (1 + allowance ÷ 100) — applied once
Assumptions
- The density you enter must be a compacted (in-place) density; loose density would understate the mass.
- The example value 2400 kg/m³ sometimes quoted is illustrative, not a default.
- Allowance applies once, to mass.
Geometry example: 1,000 ft²
| Compacted depth | Compacted volume |
|---|---|
| 2 in | 6.173 yd³ |
| 3 in | 9.259 yd³ |
| 4 in | 12.346 yd³ |
Calculated geometry only. Convert with the density of the specified compacted asphalt mix.
Common mistakes
- Mixing depth in inches with area in square feet before converting units.
- Using a loose or dry supplier density for a different compacted or wet material.
- Applying extra order volume twice, or treating it as a compaction model.
Worked example
Try it: press “Load example” above the form.
100 m² at 5 cm compacted is 5 m³; at an illustrative 2400 kg/m³ that is 12,000 kg = 12 tonnes.
Limitations
No pavement thickness design, load design or subgrade advice. The mass estimate is only as good as the density you supply.
Frequently asked questions
Is the depth loose or compacted?
Use the final compacted layer depth with a compacted density. Do not pair a loose paving depth with compacted density and call it final tonnage. Confirm the mix and density with the asphalt supplier.
Does asphalt cost include installation?
An entered unit price estimates only the priced material quantity. Excavation, base work, trucking, minimum-load charges, equipment, labour and taxes require separate quotes.
What does the worked example show?
100 m² at 5 cm compacted is 5 m³; at an illustrative 2400 kg/m³ that is 12,000 kg = 12 tonnes.
Which assumptions should I check before using the result?
No pavement thickness design, load design or subgrade advice. The mass estimate is only as good as the density you supply.
Sources
Sources explain the methods and any named product presets. Check your product label where coverage, yield or density differs.
Calculation documentation · Updated 2026-11-08 · Version 1.6.4. Estimates are planning aids. Confirm quantities, coverage and prices with your supplier before purchasing. Found an error? Report it.
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