Hot mix is ordered by the ton. Enter the footprint and compacted depth and get the tonnage, plus a cost estimate if you know the plant’s per-ton price.
The tonnage formula
Asphalt plants sell by weight, so the job is volume × density. Compacted hot mix runs about 145 pounds per cubic foot:
tons = (sq ft × depth in ÷ 12) × 145 ÷ 2,000
Worked example
A 60 × 12 ft driveway at 3 in compacted: 720 sq ft × 0.25 ft = 180 cu ft × 145 = 26,100 lb — about 13 tons. A handy field shortcut falls out of the math: one ton of hot mix covers roughly 80 sq ft at 2 in, or about 55 sq ft at 3 in.
Depth is where driveways live or die
Residential driveways typically get 2–3 in of compacted asphalt over 4–8 in of compacted gravel base; anything trucks touch wants 3–4 in. Remember the paver lays material "loose" about 25% thicker than the finished depth — order to the compacted number (this calculator's), and let the roller do its job. The base and drainage under the mat matter more than an extra half-inch of blacktop.
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet does a ton of asphalt cover?
About 80 sq ft at 2 inches compacted, 55 sq ft at 3 inches, and 40 sq ft at 4 inches. Halve or scale from the 2-inch figure for other depths.
How thick should asphalt be for a driveway?
2–3 inches compacted over a proper gravel base is standard for cars; go 3–4 inches where delivery trucks, RVs or heavy vehicles will sit. The gravel base (4–8 in, compacted) does most of the structural work.
What’s the difference between loose and compacted depth?
Fresh mix compresses roughly 20–25% under the roller. If the finished spec is 3 inches, the paver screed lays close to 4 — but you order tonnage against the compacted depth, which is what this calculator computes.