How it works
The formula
square yards = length × width ÷ 9
tons = square yards × thickness (in) × 110 lb ÷ 2,000
tons = square yards × thickness (in) × 110 lb ÷ 2,000
- Penn State's Superpave paving booklet figures compacted hot-mix asphalt at 110 lb per square yard per inch (147 lb per cubic foot), and notes a typical mix weighs 108 to 120 depending on the stone and binder. Your supplier can give the figure for their mix.
- Thickness is compacted, after rolling. The 3 in default is an example; driveways are commonly laid in one or two lifts, and the base under them matters as much.
Tons by driveway size
| Driveway | 2 in | 3 in |
|---|---|---|
| 20 × 10 ft | 2.4 tons | 3.7 tons |
| 40 × 12 ft | 5.9 tons | 8.8 tons |
| 50 × 12 ft | 7.3 tons | 11.0 tons |
| 60 × 20 ft | 14.7 tons | 22.0 tons |
| 100 × 12 ft | 14.7 tons | 22.0 tons |
Questions people ask
How much does a ton of asphalt cover?
At 110 lb per square yard per inch, a ton covers about 82 sq ft at 2 in thick, or 55 sq ft at 3 in.
How many tons for a 2-car driveway?
A 20 × 20 ft pad at 3 in compacted takes about 7.3 tons; a 50 × 12 ft single driveway about 11.0.
Should I order extra?
Plants sell by the ton; order a little over to cover uneven base and thicker edges, since a short load means a cold joint.