Don't Buy Too Much or Too Little!

Figuring out how much asphalt you need for a driveway or path can feel tricky, but it's actually quite simple. Ordering the right amount is key—it saves you money and makes sure your project goes smoothly. This quick guide will walk you through the three simple steps to get a reliable estimate.

Step 1: Measure the Length and Width

First, grab a tape measure. You need to find the size of the area you want to pave.

  • Length: Measure the longest side of your area in feet.
  • Width: Measure the shorter side of your area in feet.

Now, multiply those two numbers together to get your total area in square feet.

Example: Your driveway is 40 feet long and 10 feet wide.
40 feet × 10 feet = 400 square feet.

Step 2: Choose Your Asphalt Thickness

Next, decide how thick you want your asphalt to be. For home projects, you don't need to overthink this. Here’s a simple rule of thumb:

  • For a standard family car driveway: 2 to 3 inches is perfect. A 2-inch layer is sufficient for most cars, while 3 inches provides extra durability.
  • If you have a heavy truck or an RV: You should aim for 3 to 4 inches for extra strength.

For this guide, we'll choose 3 inches, which is a great, durable option for any driveway.

Step 3: The Super-Simple Calculation

Now you have all the numbers you need. We'll do a quick calculation to turn your measurements into the final tonnage.

The Three Parts of the Formula:

  1. Find the Volume: First, you'll find the volume in cubic feet. The formula is:
    Area (sq ft) × (Thickness in inches ÷ 12)
  2. Find the Weight: Next, you'll find the total weight in pounds.
    Volume × 145 (145 lbs is a standard weight for a cubic foot of asphalt).
  3. Find the Tons: Finally, convert the weight to tons.
    Total Weight ÷ 2,000 (There are 2,000 pounds in a ton).

Let's Use Our Example:

Using our 400 sq ft driveway and 3-inch thickness:

  • Volume: 400 sq ft × (3 ÷ 12) = 100 cubic feet
  • Weight: 100 × 145 = 14,500 pounds
  • Tons: 14,500 ÷ 2,000 = 7.25 Tons

Final Tip: Add a Little Extra

It's a smart idea to add a small amount extra to your final number, just in case the ground isn't perfectly even. A good rule of thumb is to add 5%. For our example, that means ordering about 7.5 tons is a safe bet.