Asphalt Volume Calculator

How to Calculate Asphalt Volume

Calculating the volume of asphalt needed for a project is surprisingly simple. The key is to measure the length, width, and thickness of the area you want to pave. Once you have these measurements, you can use the following formula.

Related Tools

Asphalt Volume Formula:

AV=L×W×12T​

Where:

• AV = Asphalt Volume (in cubic feet, ft³)
• L = Length of the area (in feet, ft)
• W = Width of the area (in feet, ft)
• T = Thickness of the asphalt layer (in inches, in)

The reason we divide the thickness by 12 is to convert the measurement from inches into feet, ensuring all units are consistent for the final calculation.

Example Problem #1:

Imagine you need to pave a rectangular driveway. Here’s how you’d calculate the asphalt volume:

1. Measure the Length: The driveway is 50 feet long.
2. Measure the Width: The driveway is 15 feet wide.
3. Measure the Thickness: You want a 3-inch thick layer of asphalt.
4. Apply the Formula: AV=50×15×123​ AV=750×0.25 AV=187.5ft3

So, you would need 187.5 cubic feet of asphalt for this project.

Example Problem #2:

Let’s try another example for a parking lot repair:

1. Length: 20 feet
2. Width: 10 feet
3. Thickness: 4 inches
4. Calculation: AV=20×10×124​ AV=200×0.333 AV=66.6ft3

This project would require approximately 66.6 cubic feet of asphalt.

FAQs

What factors can affect the volume of asphalt required for a paving project?

The volume of asphalt required is primarily influenced by the surface area (length and width) and the desired thickness of the layer. However, other factors like compaction rates (how much the asphalt is compressed), the type of asphalt mix, and surface irregularities can also affect the final quantity needed.

How do you convert cubic feet of asphalt to tons?

To convert cubic feet to tons, you need to know the density of the asphalt mix. A common estimate for compacted hot-mix asphalt is around 145 pounds per cubic foot. Since there are 2,000 pounds in a ton, you can use the following calculation: Tons = (Cubic Feet × 145) / 2000. For example, if you need 187.5 cubic feet of asphalt: Tons = (187.5 × 145) / 2000 = 27,187.5 / 2000 = 13.59 tons.

Can I use this calculator for other paving materials, like gravel or concrete?

The basic volume formula (V=L×W×T) can be used for any material, but you would need to adjust the conversion factor for thickness. For materials like gravel, you might measure thickness in feet directly, removing the need to divide by 12. For concrete, you would also use a different density for converting cubic feet to tons. The core principle of multiplying the three dimensions remains the same.