How Much Asphalt Do I Need for My Driveway?

Updated October 29, 2026 · Foster Apps

Multiply the driveway's length × width × compacted depth (all in feet) to get cubic feet, multiply by 145 (pounds per cubic foot of compacted hot mix asphalt), and divide by 2,000 to get tons. A typical 40 × 12 foot driveway at 2.5 inches is 100 cubic feet, or 7.25 tons. Add 5–10% for waste and order 8 tons.

The formula

tons = length (ft) × width (ft) × (depth in inches ÷ 12) × 145 ÷ 2,000

145 lb/ft³ is the density most plants and contractor calculators use for compacted hot mix. Real mixes run from about 140 to 150, so your plant's own number can move the answer by a few percent. That's one more reason to add a little waste.

Step by step

1. Measure the length and width in feet. Measure where the asphalt will actually go, edge to edge. Include the apron where the driveway meets the street and any parking pad or turnaround.
2. Split odd shapes into rectangles. An L-shaped driveway is two rectangles. Work out each one and add them. For a curve, measure the length along the middle of the curve and use the average width.
3. Pick the compacted depth. 2 to 3 inches is normal for a home driveway, with 2.5 inches the most common. Use 3 inches or more if trucks, RVs or trailers park on it. See how thick an asphalt driveway should be.
4. Convert the depth to feet by dividing the inches by 12. 2.5 inches is 0.208 feet.
5. Multiply length × width × depth to get cubic feet.
6. Multiply by 145 and divide by 2,000 to get tons.
7. Add waste and round up. Add 5% for a simple rectangle on a good base, 10% for curves, uneven base or hand work. Round up to the next quarter or half ton. Running short means a second delivery and a cold joint in your driveway.

Worked example

A driveway 40 feet long and 12 feet wide, paved 2.5 inches thick:

• Area: 40 × 12 = 480 square feet
• Volume: 480 × (2.5 ÷ 12) = 100 cubic feet
• Weight: 100 × 145 = 14,500 pounds = 7.25 tons
• With 10% waste: 7.98 tons, so order 8 tons

Tons of asphalt for common driveway sizes

A quicker rule of thumb

One ton of compacted asphalt covers about 83 square feet at 2 inches, 66 at 2.5 inches and 55 at 3 inches. Divide your square footage by that number for a fast estimate, then add waste. For square yards and cubic yards, see how many tons of asphalt per square yard.

Common mistakes

• Using loose depth. Hot mix is spread about a quarter thicker and rolled down. Order by the finished, compacted depth.
• Forgetting the apron and flares. The flared section at the street is often 10–20% of a short driveway.
• Ordering the exact number. A soft spot in the base or a slightly thick edge uses up the margin quickly.
• Mixing up tons and cubic yards. A cubic yard of compacted asphalt weighs about 1.96 tons, so the two numbers aren't interchangeable.
• Leaving out the base. The tonnage above is the asphalt only. New driveways also need 4–8 inches of compacted crushed stone underneath.

These figures use 145 lb/ft³ compacted hot mix. Confirm the final order with your plant or paving contractor, since mix density, base condition and compaction all change real yield.