Asphalt Calculator

Estimate a paving order

Measure each rectangular area, enter the compacted thickness specified for your job, and use your supplier’s material density. The estimate updates as you type. Add separate rectangles for a driveway apron or parking bay, then copy or download the combined quantity. Price is optional; leave it at zero to omit cost.

Volume becomes weight through density

The calculator multiplies each length by its width, adds those areas, and multiplies by thickness. In US units, thickness in inches is divided by twelve to obtain cubic feet. Multiplying cubic feet by pounds per cubic foot gives pounds; dividing by 2,000 gives short tons. Metric inputs use meters, centimeters and kilograms per cubic meter, with 1,000 kilograms per metric tonne.

Worked example: a small driveway section

A 20-foot by 10-foot rectangle covers 200 square feet. At three inches thick, it contains 50 cubic feet. Using 145 pounds per cubic foot gives 7,250 pounds, or 3.625 short tons. A five percent allowance raises the estimate to 3.80625 short tons. If your entered material price is 100 per short ton, the material subtotal is 380.625 in that currency, before delivery or other charges.

Measure separate areas without double counting

Break an irregular footprint into rectangles that do not overlap. For a curved boundary, use measurements from your plan or a surveyed area estimate; this tool does not trace shapes. Every listed rectangle uses the same thickness and density. If different sections have different pavement designs, calculate them separately and keep the downloaded estimates with those plans.

Assumptions and ordering limits

The starting density is an editable example, not a specification for every mix. Compacted density varies with materials and placement. The entered depth must describe the intended compacted layer; do not treat loose truck volume as the finished layer volume. Confirm mix density and delivery increments with your supplier before ordering. An allowance adds material to the weight estimate without changing the measured footprint.

This is a quantity estimate, not a pavement design. It does not determine suitable thickness, subgrade preparation, drainage, compaction requirements or load capacity. Cost includes only the entered material price, excluding labor, mobilization, equipment, taxes and delivery. Up to fifty areas can be combined, and all calculations stay in your browser.

Asphalt estimate FAQ

Does switching units change the job?

No. Existing lengths, density and per-ton price are converted together. A metric tonne is heavier than a US short ton, so both the quantity and the corresponding price change.

Should I round the result?

Ask the supplier about order increments and minimum loads. Display rounding is not an instruction to round a purchase downward.