How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the area to be paved in square feet
- Enter the desired thickness of the asphalt layer in inches
- The density field contains the default value for hot mix asphalt (145 lbs/cu. yd). You can change this if using a different type of asphalt
- Click the "Calculate" button to determine the total weight of asphalt needed in tons and the weight per square foot
- Use the "Reset" button to clear all fields and start over
Understanding the Formula
The calculator uses the following formula to determine the weight of asphalt:
Weight (tons) = (Area × Thickness × Density × 27) ÷ 2000
This formula works because:
- It calculates the volume of asphalt needed by multiplying the area by the thickness
- It converts the volume from cubic inches to cubic yards (× 27)
- It multiplies by the density to get the weight in pounds
- It converts the weight from pounds to tons by dividing by 2000
Typical Uses
This calculator is useful for:
- Planning road construction projects
- Estimating material needs for parking lots
- Calculating asphalt requirements for driveways and sidewalks
- Helping with budgeting and cost estimation