Asphalt Needed
10.88 tons
Square Feet
600
Cubic Yards
5.56
Truck Loads
~1
Recommended: 2-4 inches for residential, 4-6 for commercial
600
5.56
150
~1
Inputs
Result
Area = 50 × 12 = 600 sq ft. Volume = 600 × (3/12) = 150 cu ft = 5.56 cu yd. Weight = 150 × 145 lbs/cf = 21,750 lbs = 10.88 tons. Material = 10.88 × $100 = $1,088. Installation = 600 × $3.50 = $2,100. Total installed = $3,188.
Inputs
Result
Area = 40 × 20 = 800 sq ft. Volume = 800 × (4/12) = 266.7 cu ft = 9.88 cu yd. Weight = 266.7 × 140 lbs/cf = 37,333 lbs = 18.67 tons. Material = 18.67 × $75 = $1,400. Installation = 800 × $3.50 = $2,800. Total installed = $4,200.
Asphalt typically costs $3-7 per square foot installed, including materials and labor. Materials alone run $80-150 per ton. A 2-car driveway (600 sq ft) usually costs $2,500-$5,000 installed.
Residential driveways should have 2-3 inches of asphalt over a 4-8 inch compacted gravel base. Heavy-use driveways or those with RV/boat traffic should be 3-4 inches thick.
| Application | Asphalt Thickness | Gravel Base | Tons per 1,000 sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light residential | 2" | 4–6" | 12.1 |
| Standard driveway | 3" | 6–8" | 18.1 |
| Heavy-use driveway | 4" | 8" | 24.2 |
| Parking lot | 5–6" | 8–12" | 30–36 |
Calculate: Square feet × Depth (inches) × 145 ÷ 12 ÷ 2000 = tons. For example, a 600 sq ft driveway at 3" depth needs about 10.9 tons. Add 5-10% for waste and compaction.
Hot mix asphalt is heated and laid by professionals for new surfaces. It's stronger and more durable. Cold patch is pre-mixed and can be applied cold by DIYers for patching potholes and small repairs.
| Type | Cost/Ton | Durability | DIY-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Mix (HMA) | $80–$120 | 15–25 years | No (requires paver) |
| Warm Mix (WMA) | $90–$130 | 15–25 years | No |
| Cold Patch | $150+ (bags) | 1–3 years | Yes |
| Recycled (RAP) | $50–$85 | 10–15 years | No |
Asphalt is drivable within 24-48 hours but takes 6-12 months to fully cure. Avoid parking in the same spot, sharp turns, or heavy loads for the first 2-3 weeks. Seal coating should wait 6-12 months.
Read our guide
Read our guide
Read our guide
Calculate concrete needed
Calculate paint needed
Calculate flooring materials
Calculate materials for all your projects
Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.