Convert area measurements to exact asphalt tonnage
Converting between asphalt area measurements and tonnage is essential for accurate material ordering. This guide provides quick reference tables and formulas to help you determine exactly how much asphalt you need by weight.
Thickness | Coverage per Ton | Tons per 1000 ft² |
---|---|---|
1 inch (25mm) | 160 ft² (15 m²) | 6.25 |
1.5 inches (38mm) | 107 ft² (10 m²) | 9.35 |
2 inches (50mm) | 80 ft² (7.5 m²) | 12.5 |
2.5 inches (63mm) | 64 ft² (6 m²) | 15.6 |
3 inches (75mm) | 53 ft² (5 m²) | 18.9 |
4 inches (100mm) | 40 ft² (3.7 m²) | 25 |
Tonnes = Area (m²) × Thickness (m) × Density (kg/m³) ÷ 1000
Hot Mix Asphalt density ≈ 2400 kg/m³
Example: 100m² × 0.05m × 2400 ÷ 1000 = 12 tonnes
Tons = Area (ft²) × Thickness (ft) × Density (lb/ft³) ÷ 2000
Hot Mix Asphalt density ≈ 150 lb/ft³
Example: 1000ft² × (3÷12)ft × 150 ÷ 2000 = 18.75 tons
Tons ≈ Area (ft²) × (Inches ÷ 12) × 0.075
Example: 1000ft² × (3÷12) × 0.075 = 18.75 tons
Different asphalt types have varying densities, which affects tonnage calculations:
Asphalt Type | Typical Density (kg/m³) | Typical Density (lb/ft³) |
---|---|---|
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) | 2400 | 150 |
Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) | 2350 | 147 |
Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) | 2450 | 153 |
Open-Graded Friction Course | 2100 | 131 |
Cold Mix Asphalt | 2200 | 137 |
Recycled Asphalt Pavement | 2250 | 140 |
To better understand asphalt tonnage requirements, here are some common examples:
Dimensions: 40ft × 12ft (480 ft²)
Thickness: 2 inches
Tonnage Required: 6 tons of hot mix asphalt
Dimensions: 100ft × 50ft (5,000 ft²)
Thickness: 3 inches
Tonnage Required: 94 tons of hot mix asphalt
Dimensions: 94ft × 50ft (4,700 ft²)
Thickness: 2 inches
Tonnage Required: 59 tons of hot mix asphalt
Dimensions: 500ft × 24ft (12,000 ft²)
Thickness: 4 inches
Tonnage Required: 300 tons of hot mix asphalt
Our asphalt tonnage calculator is accurate to within approximately 5-10% when all measurements and density values are entered correctly. For even greater precision, you can adjust the density value based on your specific asphalt mix and add an appropriate wastage factor to account for compaction and material loss during installation.
A cubic yard of hot mix asphalt typically weighs between 2.025-2.25 tons (4,050-4,500 pounds). This can vary based on the specific mix design and aggregate used. For precise calculations:
For most projects, a wastage factor of 5-10% is appropriate. Use 5% for large, simple areas with good access and professional installation. Use 10% for complex shapes, difficult access, or DIY projects. For very intricate projects or situations with challenging logistics, consider using up to 15% wastage factor.
To convert between US tons and metric tonnes:
Our calculator can automatically perform these conversions based on your selected units.
Different asphalt types have different densities, which directly affects the tonnage calculation. Hot mix asphalt is typically denser than cold mix asphalt, for example. Specifying the correct asphalt type ensures our calculator uses the appropriate density value (kg/m³ or lb/ft³) for your specific material, resulting in more accurate tonnage estimates.