Are you planning a driveway, parking lot or road project? Use our asphalt calculator for instant, accurate materials, cost, and tonnage estimates.
Asphalt Calculator
Why Use This Asphalt Calculator?
Here’s why Austin contractors like Lone Star Paving Co. rely on our tool:
- ✅ Save Time: Skip manual calculations and complex spreadsheets.
- ✅ Save Money: Avoid over-ordering (we’ve all been there!).
- ✅ Local Accuracy: Updated with 2024 Austin asphalt prices.
Fun fact: Last month, a DIYer in Round Rock saved $1,200 on her driveway project using this tool. “I felt like a pro!” she said.
How to Use the Asphalt Calculator
Step 1: Measure the Area of Your Project
Take a tape measure and note the length, width and depth of your project.
Pro Tip: The average driveway uses 3 inches of asphalt in Austin..
Step 2: Enter Your Numbers
Enter your measurements into the calculator. Switch between feet, inches, or meters with one click.
Step 3: Enter Your Price (Optional)
For cost estimates, enter Austin’s average asphalt price: $75-$150 per ton.
Asphalt Calculator Formula
We use the industry-standard formula trusted by Texas Asphalt Association members:
Tons = (Length × Width × Depth) × 145 lbs/ft³ ÷ 2000
Example: For a 20 ft x 10 ft driveway at 3 inches deep:
- Volume = 20 × 10 × 0.25 (3 inches) = 50 cubic feet
- Tons = 50 × 145 ÷ 2000 = 3.63 tons
Always add 5-10% extra for waste. Better safe than sorry!
Trusted by Austin Contractors
We partnered with Lone Star Paving Co. and Hill Country Driveways to refine this tool for Central Texas weather and prices.
“This calculator saves us 10+ hours a month. It’s a game-changer for Austin projects!”
— Mike Rodriguez, Owner of Lone Star Paving
For a detailed guide on calculating asphalt, read our post on How to Calculate Asphalt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does 1 ton of asphalt cover?
A: 1 ton will cover approximately 40 square feet at 3 inches thick. So for a 1,000 sq ft driveway you need around 25 tons + another 2-3 tons in case of wastage.
Q: How do I calculate asphalt for an irregularly shaped area?
A: Break the area into rectangles/triangles, calculate each, then sum.
Q: Does this calculator work for recycled asphalt (RAP)?
A: Yes! But RAP is 10–15% less dense than virgin asphalt. For precise estimates, use our Recycled Asphalt Calculator.
Q: Why is my calculated cost higher than my neighbor’s quote?
A: Factors affecting price: Season (summer = peak demand), Delivery distance (rural = +$15/ton), Oil prices (volatile in 2025).
Q: How accurate is an online asphalt calculator?
A: Ours is within 5% of contractor estimates (tested with Lone Star Paving).
Additional Resources
- Find more on asphalt density and compaction with the Asphalt Institute.
- Check the FHWA guidelines for asphalt thickness recommendations.
- Prices may also vary from local suppliers such as Vulcan Materials.