How the asphalt calculator works
Area x depth gives volume; density gives weight. The calculator multiplies length x width x depth to get cubic feet, converts to cubic yards, then multiplies by 1.96 tons per cubic yard. Asphalt weighs 145 lb per cubic foot, and a cubic yard is 27 cubic feet (145 x 27 / 2,000 = 1.96 tons).
For example, a 20 ft x 10 ft driveway at 3 inches deep needs 1.8519 cubic yards of asphalt, which weighs 3.63 tons. Add 5% for compaction and uneven ground when you order.
Depth guidance: 2 to 3 inches over a compacted gravel base is standard for a residential driveway, with 3 inches for heavy vehicles. Laying a gravel base first? Use the gravel calculator.