Asphalt is ordered by the ton
Hot-mix asphalt weighs about 2.0 tons per cubic yard — noticeably heavier than loose gravel, because the mix is dense and holds bitumen. Plants sell it by the ton, so the tonnage line is the number to quote when you call. One practical ceiling: most plants want a minimum order (often 1–2 tons) and charge a load fee on small drops.
Depth guidance for driveways
A residential driveway normally gets 3 inches compacted (about 2.75 inches loose — asphalt compacts roughly 10–15%). A drive that will see delivery trucks or RVs wants 4 inches laid in two lifts. Recalculate the loose volume before ordering: if you enter the compacted depth, order about 10–15% extra to cover the compaction loss.
Work fast, roll faster
Asphalt cools as it spreads; below roughly 175°F it stops compacting properly. Small DIY drives are possible with bagged cold-patch, but a full driveway pour is a crew job — the calculator tells you the tonnage so your contractor's quote is checkable.
Sources and standards
Where these figures come from
Every formula on this page is implemented from the published reference material below. Where a value depends on a regional code, the calculator lets you override it rather than assuming one jurisdiction.
- National Asphalt Pavement Association — mix design, lift thickness and compaction guidance.
- Federal Highway Administration — pavement design and materials references.
Figures, formulas and reference tables last verified: 19 September 2026.