Asphalt Calculator
Use this professional asphalt calculator to determine the amount of asphalt you need and the budget required for your purchase.
Input Parameters
Typically 1.20-1.30
Typically 3-10%
Typical value range: 2.1-2.33 tons/yd³
Common standard value: 2.17 tons/yd³
Density Reference Specifications and Sources:
- • AASHTO T 166 (Saturated Surface Dry Determination of HMA Density)
- • ASTM D2726
- • FHWA HMA Handbook (Federal Highway Administration)
* Prices may vary based on crude oil prices, supply and demand, and transportation costs.
Calculation Results
Basic Data
Material Requirements
Cost Estimate
* Material cost only, excluding labor and equipment
Construction Tips
- • Allow 10-15% material surplus
- • Ensure proper base compaction
- • Control paving temperature and rolling timing
- • Consider weather conditions
- • Consider base requirements: This calculator only estimates the asphalt layer. Install a 4-8 inch compacted crushed stone base under asphalt pavement for structural stability.
Density Information
Density Factors:
- • Aggregate type and source
- • Asphalt content (binder ratio)
- • Mix design gradation
- • Compaction and air voids
Recommendations:
- • Use measured density when available
- • Follow AASHTO T 166 for density testing
- • Consider seasonal conditions
- • Regular density parameter verification
Understanding Asphalt Calculation Parameters About the Asphalt Calculator
Learn about the key factors that influence asphalt quantity calculations
Thickness
Asphalt thickness is critical for durability and load-bearing capacity. The appropriate thickness depends on:
- The intended use (residential, commercial, industrial)
- Expected traffic volume and vehicle weight
- Local climate conditions
- Soil and base conditions
| Application | Recommended Thickness |
|---|---|
| Residential Driveway | 2-3 inches |
| Parking Lot | 3-4 inches |
| Commercial Roadway | 4-6 inches |
| Industrial/Heavy Load | 6+ inches |
Common units: inches or centimeters
Density
Asphalt density refers to the weight of the material per unit volume. It varies based on:
- The specific asphalt mix design
- Aggregate type and size
- Binder content
- Compaction level
For most calculations, hot mix asphalt (HMA) has a density of approximately 145-150 pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³) or 2.17 tons/yd³. The following are the density ranges and typical values for several common asphalt types:
| Asphalt Type | Density Range (lbs/ft³) | Typical Value (lbs/ft³) | Density Range (tons/yd³) | Typical Value (tons/yd³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HMA (Hot Mix Asphalt) | 140 – 155 | 145 | 2.10 – 2.33 | 2.17 |
| WMA (Warm Mix Asphalt) | 140 – 155 | 144 | 2.10 – 2.33 | 2.16 |
| SMA (Stone Matrix Asphalt) | 145 – 160 | 150 | 2.17 – 2.40 | 2.25 |
| OGFC (Open-Graded Friction Course) | 115 – 135 | 125 | 1.73 – 2.03 | 1.87 |
| Cold Mix Asphalt | 120 – 140 | 130 | 1.80 – 2.10 | 2.00 |
Why density matters:
Using the correct density value ensures accurate weight calculations, which is essential for:
- Ordering the right amount of material
- Estimating transportation costs
- Calculating project expenses
- Planning equipment needs
Compaction Factor And Waste Factor
Compaction factor is a commonly used concept in engineering to represent the proportion of volume change of a material before and after compaction, it directly affects the amount of asphalt used. For example: You want to lay an asphalt pavement:
- Area: 1,000 ft ²
- Thickness after compaction: 2 inches = 0.167 ft
- Density unit: 2.20 tons/yd ³ (after compaction)
- Compaction Factor = 1.12
1. Calculate the volume after compaction (ft ³ → yd ³): V
(compacted)
=1000×0.167=167ft³≈
27
167
≈6.19yd³
2. Add the compaction factor to calculate the bulk volume: V
(loose)
=6.19×1.12=6.93yd³
3. Calculate the required amount of asphalt (tons): Tons=6.93×2.20=
15.25tons
If you ignore the compaction factor, you will only use the compacted volume for calculations:
Tons (wrong)=6.19×2.20=13.62tons
The difference is 1.63 tons, approximately 12% of the total material, which can lead to procurement shortages.
Our asphalt calculator considers both the Compaction Factor and Waste Factor to ensure that your budget is sufficient.
Cost Considerations
Asphalt prices vary based on several factors:
- Geographic location
- Crude oil prices
- Project size (bulk discounts)
- Mix type and quality
- Seasonal factors
Additional costs to consider:
The total project expense will include more than just the asphalt material:
- Base material (crushed stone/gravel)
- Labor for installation
- Equipment rental
- Site preparation
- Permits and inspections
Common Asphalt Types and Applications
Understanding different asphalt mixes and their ideal uses
Open Graded Friction Course (OGFC)
Description: Open graded friction course has a high percentage of air voids (15-25%), allowing water to drain through the pavement surface.
Advantages: Superior water drainage, reduced hydroplaning risk, lower spray from vehicles, reduced traffic noise, better traction in wet conditions.
Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA)
Description: Stone matrix asphalt uses a coarse stone framework filled with asphalt paste for extra strength.
Advantages: Superior rutting resistance, excellent durability, extended service life, reduced road spray, good skid resistance.
SMA typically costs 20-30% more than conventional mixes but can last 30-50% longer in high-stress applications.
Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA)
Description: Warm mix asphalt (WMA) is made at lower temps than regular hot mix. It uses special additives to stay workable while cutting energy use and emissions—a greener choice for paving roads.
Advantages: Reduced energy consumption, lower emissions, extended paving season, longer haul distances, improved workability, less oxidative hardening during production.
WMA technology is becoming increasingly common as the industry moves toward more sustainable practices.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Asphalt Calculator
How accurate is this asphalt calculator?
Our asphalt calculator utilizes standard measurement units and formulas to ensure that the calculation results are as accurate as possible. The compaction factor and waste factor are included to help ensure that your budget is sufficient.
What thickness of asphalt do I need for my driveway?
For residential driveways, a total asphalt thickness of 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) is typically recommended. This is often applied in two layers:
- Base course: 1.5-2 inches of larger aggregate asphalt mix
- Surface course: 0.5-1 inch of finer aggregate asphalt mix
However, the ideal thickness depends on several factors:
- Local climate (freeze-thaw cycles require thicker pavement)
- Expected traffic (heavier vehicles need thicker asphalt)
- Soil conditions (poor drainage or soft soil requires thicker pavement)
- Base preparation (a properly prepared base can reduce needed asphalt thickness)
In cold regions or for commercial driveways that will experience heavy vehicles, 3-4 inches total thickness may be more appropriate.
What's the difference between hot mix asphalt (HMA) and warm mix asphalt (WMA)?
Hot mix asphalt (HMA) and warm mix asphalt (WMA) differ primarily in their production and application temperatures:
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA):
- Produced at temperatures between 300-350°F (149-177°C)
- Traditional and most common type of asphalt pavement
- Provides excellent durability and performance
- Requires higher energy consumption to maintain temperature during transport
- Must be placed and compacted while hot
Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA):
- Produced at reduced temperatures of 250-275°F (121-135°C)
- Uses additives or processes to achieve proper workability at lower temperatures
- Environmental benefits include reduced fuel consumption and emissions
- Can be transported longer distances without excessive cooling
- Extended paving season in cooler weather
- Comparable performance to HMA when properly installed
Both types have similar densities, so this calculator can be used for either HMA or WMA with the appropriate density value.
How do I determine the right density value to use?
Asphalt density can vary based on the specific mix design, aggregate type, and compaction level. To determine the right density value:
- Ask your supplier: The asphalt provider can give you the specific density of their mix.
- Check specifications: Project specifications often include the design density.
- Use standard values: If specific information isn't available, these typical density ranges are commonly used:
| Asphalt Type | Density Range (lbs/ft³) | Typical Value (lbs/ft³) | Density Range (tons/yd³) | Typical Value (tons/yd³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HMA (Hot Mix Asphalt) | 140 – 155 | 145 | 2.10 – 2.33 | 2.17 |
| WMA (Warm Mix Asphalt) | 140 – 155 | 144 | 2.10 – 2.33 | 2.16 |
| SMA (Stone Matrix Asphalt) | 145 – 160 | 150 | 2.17 – 2.40 | 2.25 |
| OGFC (Open-Graded Friction Course) | 115 – 135 | 125 | 1.73 – 2.03 | 1.87 |
| Cold Mix Asphalt | 120 – 140 | 130 | 1.80 – 2.10 | 2.00 |
For general estimation purposes, using 145 lb/ft³ for standard hot mix asphalt is a good default value that works for most applications.
What's the difference between tons and cubic yards when ordering asphalt?
Asphalt can be measured and ordered in either weight (tons) or volume (cubic yards), but in the United States, tons are the standard unit for purchasing asphalt.
Weight (Tons):
- Most asphalt plants sell by weight (tons)
- More accurate for billing and quality control
- Not affected by temperature expansion/contraction
- Industry standard for asphalt in the US
Volume (Cubic Yards):
- Sometimes used for estimating purposes
- Can vary with temperature and compaction
- More commonly used for base materials (gravel, crushed stone)
To convert between the two:
- 1 cubic yard of asphalt ≈ 2.025 tons (at 145 lb/ft³ density)
- 1 ton of asphalt ≈ 0.494 cubic yards (at 145 lb/ft³ density)
This calculator provides weight in tons, which is what you'll typically need when ordering from an asphalt plant.