Formula used
Cubic yards = [length × width × (depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27] × (1 + waste ÷ 100); tons = cubic yards × density
Reference basis: fixed unit conversions follow the NIST SI conversion tables. Bulk density is product- and condition-specific; the FHWA Field Materials Manual documents aggregate sampling and moisture-density testing; supplier or project data for the actual product and condition should replace the planning preset when available. The USGS aggregates program is used for aggregate terminology and scope. Read the full methodology and limitations.
Keep the asphalt order separate from aggregate base
This tool supports the asphalt course of a driveway or paving project. Use the specified compacted thickness and mix density for that course. Estimate the underlying aggregate using the Road Base Calculator; combining the two depths under one density would obscure both purchase quantities. Confirm the asphalt mix, plant selling unit, and delivery terms on its own order line.
Worked asphalt examples
Uniform pad: 30 ft × 12 ft × (3 in ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 3.33 yd³ measured compacted volume. With a stated 5% allowance, the order basis is 3.50 yd³. At a matching compacted density of 2 short tons/yd³, the estimate is 7.00 short tons.
Tapered patch: a 20 ft × 8 ft patch tapering uniformly from 3 in to 1 in uses a 2 in average depth: 20 × 8 × (2 ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 0.99 yd³ before allowance, or about 2.07 short tons at the same density with 5% allowance. Treating the whole patch as 3 in deep would give 1.48 yd³ before allowance and overstate this simplified taper. Split irregular patches into defensible zones when the taper is not uniform.
Volume, density, and supplier units
Discuss the tonnage result with the paving contractor or plant; hot-mix asphalt is normally scheduled by weight, not by a loose cubic-yard assumption.
Field conditions that change tonnage
Compacted density, base irregularity, tapering edges, driveway aprons, handwork, and the plant's minimum load affect ordered tonnage.
Questions specific to this calculation
Which bulk density belongs in the asphalt tons estimate?
Use the specified asphalt mix's compacted density in short tons per cubic yard, matching the finished compacted volume calculated from the design thickness. Obtain that value from the mix supplier or project specification and convert its units before entering it. Do not substitute loose truck-volume density or aggregate density; the optional field allowance does not convert loose asphalt to its compacted state.