Bidcore | Free tools | Pricing

Asphalt tonnage calculator

How many tons of hot mix do you need? Enter the area and the finished depth. Every step of the math is shown, so you can check it before you order.

Common questions

How many tons of asphalt do I need per square foot?

At a typical compacted weight of 145 pounds per cubic foot, one inch of asphalt over 1,000 square feet takes about 6 tons. A 2 inch lift over 1,000 square feet takes about 12 tons. This calculator does the same math for your exact area and depth.

What density should I use?

Compacted hot mix asphalt usually weighs between 140 and 150 pounds per cubic foot. 145 is a common figure for a surface mix. If your plant gives you a number for the mix you are buying, use that one.

Should I add extra for waste?

Most paving contractors add a few percent for the paver start and stop, uneven subgrade, the edges, and the mix left in the truck. Three to eight percent is common. Use your own history if you have it.

Is this depth before or after compaction?

After. Enter the finished, compacted thickness you plan to leave. Loose mix is thicker than the finished mat, and the density figure here is for compacted material, so the two line up.

Does this give me a price?

No. Tons is a quantity. A price also needs the mix price per ton, labor, trucking, equipment, overhead and your margin. Bidcore prices the whole job, with every formula shown.

More free tools