Asphalt Calculator: How Much Asphalt Do I Need?
The area’s square footage and desired depth determine how much asphalt you need.
Most residential paving projects require between 0.5 and 10 cubic yards of asphalt.
An asphalt paving pro can help you determine the exact amount.
Asphalt is a common material for paving roads, driveways, parking lots, patios, and walkways. It’s durable and can last many years, so it’s used in many different ways. If you’re planning a paving project and wondering, “How much asphalt do I need?” this guide will help you calculate your material needs to create a solid project budget.
How Much Asphalt Is Needed for Your Project?
Asphalt is measured in cubic yards, and the amount you need depends on the size of the area to be paved as well as your desired depth. The thicker the asphalt, the more durable the surface, and the less you’ll likely pay in asphalt driveway repair costs over time. Here are some examples of common asphalt projects and the amount of asphalt needed for each.
| Type of Project | Average Size in Square Feet | Cubic Yards of Asphalt (2-Inch Depth) | Cubic Yards of Asphalt (4-Inch Depth) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway | 200–800 | 1.23–4.9 | 2.5–9.9 |
| Patio | 50–350 | 0.3–2.2 | 0.6–4.3 |
| Walking Path | 80–280 | 0.5–1.7 | 1–3.5 |
How to Calculate How Much Asphalt You Need
Before determining how much asphalt you need, measure the area where the asphalt will be poured. Then, use the following equations to calculate the correct amount of asphalt.
(Length x width) x depth = total cubic feet
Cubic feet ÷ 17 = total cubic yards of asphalt needed
It’s advisable to order about 5% to 10% more asphalt than you think you need to account for wastage.
How to Measure For Asphalt Installation
Once you know how to calculate your asphalt needs, it’s time to get measuring. Asphalt driveways typically measure between 200 and 800 square feet. To measure your driveway, follow these steps.
Measure the total length of the driveway in feet
Measure the total width of the driveway in feet
Multiply the length by the width to get the total square footage of the driveway
Multiply the square footage by the number of inches (converted to feet) to get the total cubic footage of asphalt needed
Divide by 27 to get the number of cubic yards needed
For example, a driveway that measures 10 feet by 20 feet would equal 200 square feet. If you wanted a 4-inch-thick driveway, you would multiply 200 by 0.33, which is 4 inches converted to feet for a total area of 66.7 cubic yards. Then, you’d divide that number by 27 to get a total of 2.5 cubic yards of asphalt.
If the area for asphalt installation is circular, follow these steps to measure the area for paving.
To find the outer radius, measure the distance from the circle's center to the outer edge.
Multiply the radius by itself.
To determine the square footage of the area, multiply the result by pi (3.14).
Follow the above steps to reach the cubic yards of asphalt needed for the circular area.
The process of measuring an asphalt patio or walking path is the same as measuring a driveway. However, patios and paths are generally smaller than driveways.
Who to Hire to Install Asphalt
Asphalt installation generally isn’t a DIY-friendly project unless you have prior experience pouring and installing the material. In most cases, hiring an asphalt paving contractor is the best option. To find the right pro for your job, compare quotes from several companies to see which one best suits your budget. Also consider experience, former customer reviews, and recommendations from friends or family members when hiring a local driveway paving company.
Frequently Asked Questions
At a depth of two inches, a ton of asphalt covers around 80 to 100 square feet. However, the thicker the asphalt, the less surface area it will cover. That’s why measuring correctly is essential when estimating asphalt needs and costs to ensure you get enough material to cover your entire driveway, patio, or other asphalt surface.
Three inches is a great thickness for a residential asphalt driveway that sees minimal to moderate traffic from cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks. However, a thicker driveway can better withstand the weight of a heavier vehicle, such as a trailer or a recreational vehicle. If you drive a heavy vehicle on a thin driveway, you risk cracking and damaging it.
An asphalt driveway costs between $3,150 and $7,400, depending on the size of the driveway and the depth of the asphalt. Expect to pay between $2 and $6 per square foot for materials and $5 to $7 per square foot for labor. Although installing asphalt yourself will save you on labor costs, it might ultimately cost you more when you make a mistake.
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