Asphalt Calculator
Tons of hot-mix asphalt for a driveway or lot — with materials and installed cost.
Asphalt calculator
Hot-mix asphalt (10% waste in)
11.96 tons
6.11 yd³
- Asphalt (by the ton)
- $1,196 – $2,393
- Installed driveway
- $4,200 – $9,000
Estimating asphalt tonnage
Hot-mix asphalt is sold by the ton. The calculator converts your area and compacted thickness to a volume, applies asphalt's density, and rounds in a waste allowance. It also prices an installed driveway so you can weigh it against concrete.
Prices updated January 2026 National US averages · reviewed quarterly
Volumes use standard bag yields and a 10% waste allowance; costs are national US averages that vary by region, mix and finish. See our methodology for exactly how each figure is worked out, or check the reference sources:
More material calculators
Square Footage Calculator Area of any shape Gravel Calculator Base & fill by the yard Mulch Calculator Beds & landscaping Topsoil Calculator Lawns & gardens Crushed Stone Calculator Decorative & drainage Paver Calculator Patios & walkways Asphalt Calculator Driveways Rebar Calculator Slab reinforcement Sand Calculator Bedding & leveling Post Hole / Sonotube Footings & piers
Frequently asked questions
How much asphalt do I need?
Asphalt is ordered by the ton. Volume (area × thickness) × density (~145 lb/ft³) ÷ 2,000 gives tons. A 600 sq ft driveway at 3" needs about 12 tons with waste.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
Residential driveways are typically 2–3" of compacted asphalt over a 4–8" stone base. Go thicker for heavy vehicles.
Is asphalt or concrete cheaper for a driveway?
Asphalt usually has a lower up-front cost (about $7–$15 per square foot installed in 2026) while concrete lasts longer with less upkeep. Compare with the concrete driveway calculator.