Asphalt Calculator

What is asphalt?

Asphalt is a composite material derived from petroleum that is primarily used in the construction and maintenance of roads, highways, parking lots, and other driving surfaces. It is combined with aggregates (like sand, gravel, and stone) and filler to create asphalt concrete. While they may refer to slightly different materials, the terms asphalt, asphalt concrete, blacktop, and pavement are often used interchangeably.

Roads, runways, marine dams, and other structures are made with asphalt because it is both highly durable and cost effective. As a part of the typical installation process, civil contractors, concrete contractors, and other industry professionals will mix asphalt, install it in layers, and compact it.

Asphalt is also one of the most commonly recycled materials in the world.

How do I calculate how much asphalt I need?

Determine the correct amount of asphalt you’ll need for a construction project with a few necessary steps.  

1. Assess the area

What does the area where you’ll be installing the asphalt look like? Is it damaged or uneven? Is it a surface that may shift, like gravel or stone? 

If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you may need more asphalt than you would working with a smooth, even surface.

2. Measure length, width, and depth

Measure the length and width of the project space and then multiply these two numbers to get the total area. If you’re working with an irregularly-shaped area that isn’t a true rectangle, you may need to break it up into several smaller shapes that can be more easily measured.

You’ll also need to determine the depth or thickness of the asphalt you’ll be applying. Typically, the heavier the amount of stress the area will be under, the thicker the layers of asphalt will need to be. For example, a residential driveway may only need 2-3 inches of asphalt, while a commercial parking lot may need 6-8 inches.

3. Determine the volume

Multiply the area and the depth you just calculated to determine the volume of asphalt you’ll need for your project.

Asphalt is generally sold by the ton. Industry standards dictate that for each cubic yard, you’ll use 2 tons of asphalt.

4. Remember compaction

Fresh asphalt should be compacted to remove air pockets, which improves strength and durability. Compacting asphalt will reduce its overall thickness, so you’ll need to account for that and make sure that you have enough asphalt to reach the depth you determined was necessary in step 2. 

For example, if the asphalt should be 4 inches once completed based on the project recommendations, you’ll need to make sure you use enough so it is 4 inches deep after compaction.

How much you compact the asphalt will vary widely depending on the project. You may need to consult the project engineer or the material manufacturer.

Types of asphalt

There are several different types of asphalt. Some are similar and can be used for the same applications, while others are unique and used for specialized purposes.

Hot mix asphalt

Hot mix asphalt, or HMA, is heated to a high temperature (typically between 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit) as it is mixed and laid while still hot. This process reduces the viscosity of the binding material, eliminates moisture within the aggregate, and ensures the finished product will be strong, durable, and weather-resistant. 

Specialized equipment is needed to properly heat HMA, and contractors must be trained to safely handle it. It is the most commonly used type of asphalt and is necessary for the safe construction of major roads, highways, airports, and other structures that will experience a high volume of traffic.

Warm mix asphalt

Warm mix asphalt, or WMA, is utilized similarly to hot mix asphalt, but mixed at a lower temperature, usually around 200-250 degrees Fahrenheit. 

While they can be used for the same or similar purposes, WMA is generally safer to work with than HMA. It’s also more environmentally-friendly because the process used to heat it requires less emissions. 

Cold mix asphalt

Cold mix asphalt, or CMA, is asphalt that is mixed at 50 degrees Fahrenheit or lower temperatures.

On its own, it is not as strong as HMA or WMA, so it is typically used only for repairs or smaller-scale projects.

Reclaimed asphalt pavement

Reclaimed asphalt pavement, or RAP, is made with old asphalt from previous structures that has been milled or crushed to produce new aggregate. The milled asphalt then can be used in HMA, WMA, and other mixtures.

RAP is considered environmentally friendly and cost effective.

Porous asphalt

Porous asphalt is used to create water drainage systems within roads or parking lots to prevent flooding and reduce erosion. It is a specialized type of asphalt that dries with small holes or pores that allow water to drain more easily through it. 

Ultra-thin asphalts

A relatively newer type of asphalt that must be produced in specialized manufacturing plants, ultra-thin asphalt is designed to combine with aggregate and be laid in thinner layers than traditional asphalt.

It is used to seal, treat, protect, and extend the lifespan of driving surfaces.

Asphalt FAQs

What is asphalt made of?

Asphalt is a petroleum-based substance that acts as a binding agent in asphalt concrete.

Many people also use the word asphalt to refer to asphalt concrete, which is a composite material made of asphalt mixed with stone aggregate and filler.

What is asphalt vs blacktop?

Many contractors use the terms asphalt and blacktop interchangeably, but for some manufacturers, there are subtle differences between them.

Asphalt is generally made with high quality aggregate and formulated for maximum durability. Blacktop may have a higher ratio of stone to binding agent, and the finished structure may have less longevity.

Is asphalt cheaper than concrete?

Asphalt is generally cheaper than concrete both to purchase and install.

However, depending on the application and the specifics of your project, concrete may last longer and be more resistant to damages. To determine the best material for the job, you’ll need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages.

How much is asphalt per square foot?

The material costs of asphalt range from $2 to $6 per square foot.

How long does asphalt take to dry?

Asphalt typically dries in 48-72 hours, however the exact timing varies based on the type of asphalt, the size of the project, paving thickness, weather conditions, and many other factors.

It’s also important to note that asphalt will also take 6-12 months to fully cure and reach maximum hardness. It is more susceptible to damage during the curing period.

How long does an asphalt driveway last?

When properly installed, an asphalt driveway can last 15-20 years. You can increase longevity with timely repairs and maintenance.

Track asphalt (and other materials) with Raken

To keep projects profitable, you need to make sure you’re making the most of your resources.

Use Raken’s construction material tracking app to accurately log material use on phone or tablet and share detailed data with the office in a few clicks. Track how much material you’re using—and whether that aligns with estimates—in real time.

You’ll also gain access to time and labor management tools with the same fast, easy workflows. Use one streamlined app to manage all your resources, then measure performance at a glance with automated production insights. 

Gain clear visibility of project progress to make proactive decisions and keep stakeholders informed.