Square feet to tons

Asphalt Tonnage Calculator

Convert paved area and compacted thickness into asphalt tons. This page is focused on ordering quantity, truckloads, waste, and cubic yards.

Calculator

Asphalt Tons Calculator

Enter square footage through length, width, and extra area. Use compacted thickness for the most realistic result.

Project Inputs

Use compacted thickness for finished asphalt depth.

Finished thickness matters

Asphalt is compacted after placement. If your estimate uses loose depth but the finished surface is thinner, the tons and job quality can be misunderstood. For heavier loads like RVs and work trucks that need a thicker section, see asphalt thickness for RVs and heavy vehicles.

Useful order checks

  • Compare order tons to common truck capacity.
  • Add waste for handwork, edges, and shape complexity.
  • Ask the supplier or contractor which density they are using.
  • Keep scale tickets or delivery records for larger jobs.

Formula

square_feet * thickness_feet * asphalt_density_lb_per_cu_ft / 2000

These are planning estimates. Confirm local material density, supplier tickets, contractor scope, drainage, base condition, and local code before buying material or signing a contract.

FAQ

Asphalt Tonnage Calculator FAQ

How many tons of asphalt are in a cubic yard?

At 145 lb/ft3, one cubic yard is about 1.96 tons. Real mixes vary, so supplier values are better for final ordering.

How many square feet does one ton of asphalt cover?

At 3 inches compacted thickness and 145 lb/ft3 density, one ton covers about 66 square feet before waste.

Should I round asphalt tons up?

Yes. Most jobs should include a waste allowance, and suppliers may have minimum order or delivery practicalities.

Related tools

Plan the Next Part of the Job

Next step

Need to check the written quote too?

After estimating quantities and cost, use the quote checker to review thickness, base prep, drainage, removal, equipment, and sales-pressure red flags.

Open quote checker

Density and tonnage references: National Asphalt Pavement Association material reference library and Asphalt Institute mix design guidance.