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Asphalt Calculator
Calculate tons of hot-mix asphalt, truck loads, and cost for driveways, parking lots, and roads.
Asphalt Needed (with 10% extra)
15.95 tons
1 truck load at 20 tons each
| Area | 1,200 sqft / 133.3 sqyd |
| Volume | 200.0 cubic feet |
| Tons (net) | 14.50 tons |
| With 10% extra | 15.95 tons |
| Truck loads | 1 (20 tons/truck) |
| Estimated cost | $1,595.00 – $2,392.50 |
info
Mike Callahan:“Order 10% extra on asphalt — once the plant shuts down for the day, you’re done. Running short at 4pm means tearing out and repaving the cold joint tomorrow.”
Methodology
Volume = length x width x (thickness / 12) in cubic feet. Tons = volume x density / 2000. Standard hot-mix asphalt density is 145 lbs per cubic foot. Truck capacity estimated at 20 tons per load. Material cost range of $100-$150/ton represents 2026 national averages for HMA surface course; actual pricing varies by region, mix design, and delivery distance from the plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should asphalt be?
Residential driveways typically need 2 to 3 inches of asphalt over a 6 to 8 inch compacted aggregate base. Commercial parking lots need 3 to 4 inches minimum. Heavy-traffic roads and truck routes require 4 to 6 inches or more, often in multiple lifts with a binder course and surface course. Thicker asphalt lasts longer but increases material cost proportionally.
How many tons of asphalt fit in a truck?
A standard tandem-axle dump truck carries about 15 to 20 tons of hot-mix asphalt. Triaxle trucks can carry 22 to 25 tons. The exact capacity depends on the truck configuration and local road weight limits. Most estimators use 20 tons per truck as a safe planning number for scheduling deliveries.
How much does asphalt cost per ton?
Hot-mix asphalt (HMA) costs $100 to $150 per ton for material in 2026, with significant regional variation. Urban areas with nearby plants tend toward the lower end. Rural jobs with long haul distances run higher. This does not include labor, equipment, base preparation, or mobilization, which can double the total installed cost per square yard.
Asphalt vs concrete driveway — which is better?
Asphalt driveways cost less upfront ($3-$6/sqft installed vs $6-$12 for concrete) and can be driven on within 24-48 hours. However, asphalt requires seal-coating every 2-3 years and has a shorter lifespan (15-20 years vs 25-30 for concrete). Concrete handles heat better in hot climates. Asphalt performs better in freeze-thaw regions because it flexes rather than cracking. Choice depends on climate, budget, and maintenance commitment.