DIY CalculatorCompacted hot-mix asphalt weighs about 145 lb per cubic foot, so a 12 × 50 foot driveway at 3 inches needs roughly 11 tons.
How much asphalt do you need?
- Residential driveways: 2–3 inches compacted, over 6–8 inches of stone base.
- Heavier traffic or RVs: 3–4 inches.
- Measure curves and turnarounds as separate areas.
- Contractors usually quote per square foot, including the base.
How much asphalt for common areas (cubic yards / tons, no extra added)
| Area | 2 in deep | 3 in deep | 4 in deep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.62 yd³ / 1.21 t | 0.93 yd³ / 1.81 t | 1.23 yd³ / 2.42 t |
| 200 sq ft | 1.23 yd³ / 2.42 t | 1.85 yd³ / 3.63 t | 2.47 yd³ / 4.83 t |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 yd³ / 6.04 t | 4.63 yd³ / 9.06 t | 6.17 yd³ / 12.08 t |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.17 yd³ / 12.08 t | 9.26 yd³ / 18.13 t | 12.35 yd³ / 24.17 t |
Tons assume 3,915 lb per cubic yard. Add extra for waste and settling when you order.
How to use this calculator
- Measure the length and width (or the diameter of a round area). Use any unit — feet, inches, yards or meters.
- Split odd shapes into rectangles, circles and triangles, and add each one with “Add another area”.
- Enter the depth. Results update as you type: cubic yards, tons and bags.
- Optionally enter a price to estimate the cost.
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Frequently asked questions
How many square feet does a ton of asphalt cover?
About 80 square feet at 2 inches thick, or about 55 square feet at 3 inches.
How much does a cubic yard of asphalt weigh?
Roughly 3,900 lb — just under 2 tons — once compacted.
Can I buy asphalt in bags?
Only cold-patch asphalt for small repairs comes in bags. Driveways use hot-mix asphalt delivered and laid by a paving crew.