Asphalt Calculator
Calculate how many tons of asphalt you need for your driveway, parking lot, or road. Get instant cost estimates for hot-mix, cold-mix, and specialty asphalt types.
480 sq ft, standard two car
Estimated Total Cost
$1,670 – $4,350
$3.48 – $9.06 per sq ft
Area
480 sqft
Tons Needed
9.0
Material Cost
$900 – $1,800
Base Prep
$480 – $1,440
Labor
$240 – $960
Delivery
$50 – $150
Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA): Standard hot-mix asphalt. Most common for driveways and roads. Applied hot (300°F+) and compacted. Material: $100–$200/ton.
3 inches: Standard residential driveways. Coverage rate: ~53 sq ft per ton.
Not included: Excavation of existing surface ($1–$3/sqft), gravel base material ($15–$25/ton), drainage modifications, permits ($50–$500), or sealcoating ($0.15–$0.25/sqft recommended after 6–12 months).
Asphalt Cost Breakdown
| Asphalt Type | Cost Per Ton | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA) | $100–$200 | Driveways, parking lots, roads |
| Cold-Mix / Cold Patch | $150–$300 | Pothole repairs, small patches |
| Polymer-Modified | $150–$250 | High-traffic, extreme climates |
| Porous / Permeable | $200–$350 | Eco-friendly, drainage areas |
Coverage by Thickness
| Thickness | Sq Ft Per Ton | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| 2 inches | ~80 sqft/ton | Walkways, resurfacing overlays |
| 3 inches | ~53 sqft/ton | Standard residential driveways |
| 4 inches | ~40 sqft/ton | Heavy-use driveways, parking lots |
| 6 inches | ~27 sqft/ton | Commercial, heavy truck traffic |
How We Calculate
Our asphalt calculator uses the standard industry formula for calculating tonnage based on area, thickness, and asphalt density:
Tons = (Length × Width × Thickness in inches) ÷ 12 × 145 ÷ 2,000
Where 145 lbs/cu ft is the compacted density of asphalt and 2,000 lbs = 1 ton.
Asphalt Type Selection
Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA) is the standard choice for permanent installations. It's heated to 300°F, applied hot, and compacted for maximum density and durability. Most driveways use HMA.
Cold-Mix Asphalt is pre-mixed and ready to use without heating. It's convenient for DIY pothole repairs but not suitable for full driveways. Use cold-mix only for temporary patches.
Polymer-Modified Asphalt includes additives that improve flexibility and crack resistance. It costs 25–50% more but lasts 20–30% longer — worth it for extreme temperature regions.
Porous Asphalt allows water to drain through, reducing runoff and potentially qualifying for stormwater credits. It requires a specific aggregate base and costs more but offers environmental benefits.
Thickness Guidelines
Most residential driveways use 3" of asphalt over a 6–8" compacted gravel base. The total "pavement structure" (asphalt + base) should be 9–11" for standard car traffic. Heavy vehicles (RVs, trucks) need 4" asphalt over 8–10" base.
Additional Costs
- Excavation: $1–$3/sqft if removing existing surface
- Gravel base: $15–$25/ton (6–8" recommended)
- Delivery: $50–$150 flat or $5–$15/ton for large orders
- Sealcoating: $0.15–$0.25/sqft (apply 6–12 months after)
- Edging/curbing: $5–$15/linear foot
Data Sources
Cost data verified from HomeAdvisor, Angi, HomeGuide, Fixr, and National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) pricing surveys (February 2026). Prices reflect national averages — local costs vary by region, oil prices, and seasonal demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does asphalt cost per ton? +
Hot-mix asphalt costs $100–$200 per ton delivered. Cold-mix runs $150–$300/ton. Polymer-modified asphalt is $150–$250/ton, and porous asphalt is $200–$350/ton. Prices vary by region and fuel costs.
How many tons of asphalt do I need for my driveway? +
A typical two-car driveway (480 sq ft) at 3" thickness needs about 4.5–5 tons. Formula: (length × width × thickness in inches) ÷ 12 × 145 ÷ 2000 = tons. Our calculator does this math automatically.
What thickness should asphalt be for a driveway? +
3 inches is standard for residential driveways. Use 2" for walkways or resurfacing, 4" for heavy-use driveways or parking lots, and 6" for commercial applications or heavy truck traffic.
How much does it cost to asphalt a driveway? +
A complete asphalt driveway costs $3–$7 per sq ft installed. A 480 sq ft two-car driveway typically costs $1,500–$3,500. This includes material, base prep, labor, and delivery.
Is hot-mix or cold-mix asphalt better? +
Hot-mix is better for new driveways — it's more durable, bonds better, and lasts 15–25 years. Cold-mix is a temporary repair solution for potholes and small patches. Use hot-mix for any permanent installation.
How long does an asphalt driveway last? +
A properly installed asphalt driveway lasts 15–25 years. Polymer-modified asphalt can last 20–30 years. Regular sealcoating every 2–3 years extends lifespan significantly.
What is the coverage rate of asphalt? +
One ton of asphalt covers approximately: 80 sq ft at 2" thick, 53 sq ft at 3" thick, 40 sq ft at 4" thick, or 27 sq ft at 6" thick. Coverage varies slightly by asphalt mix type.
When is the best time to install asphalt? +
Late spring through early fall (May–October) is best. Asphalt needs temperatures above 50°F for proper compaction. Hot-mix asphalt must be applied at 275–300°F and compacted before cooling.
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