Asphalt Unit Converter

Asphalt Unit Conversion Guide

Asphalt Paving resource some conversions are needed when working between units. Suppliers sell asphalt in the ton, engineers use volume units like cubic yards and contractors define problems in square feet or square yards. Every common conversion is performed by our asphalt unit converter instantly.

Key Asphalt Conversion Formulas

Square Yards to Tons

To convert area (square yards) to weight (tons), you need to know the thickness and density:

1. Convert sq yd to sq ft: × 9
2. Calculate volume: sq ft × (thickness in inches ÷ 12) = cu ft
3. Calculate weight: cu ft × density (lbs/cu ft) = lbs
4. Convert to tons: lbs ÷ 2,000 = tons

Cubic Yards to Tons

To convert volume (cubic yards) to weight (tons):

1. Convert cu yd to cu ft: × 27
2. Calculate weight: cu ft × density (lbs/cu ft) = lbs
3. Convert to tons: lbs ÷ 2,000 = tons

Quick reference: 1 cubic yard of HMA ≈ 2.025 tons

Tons to Cubic Yards

Reverse of the above:

1. Convert tons to lbs: × 2,000
2. Calculate volume: lbs ÷ density (lbs/cu ft) = cu ft
3. Convert to cu yd: cu ft ÷ 27 = cu yd

Quick reference: 1 ton of HMA ≈ 0.494 cubic yards

Tons to Square Yards (Coverage)

To find how much area a given tonnage will cover at a specified thickness:

1. Convert tons to lbs: × 2,000
2. Calculate volume: lbs ÷ density (lbs/cu ft) = cu ft
3. Calculate area: cu ft ÷ (thickness in inches ÷ 12) = sq ft
4. Convert to sq yd: sq ft ÷ 9 = sq yd

Quick Conversion Reference Table (HMA at 145 lbs/cu ft)

• 1 ton HMA = 0.494 cubic yards = 13.79 cubic feet
• 1 cubic yard HMA = 2.025 tons = 4,050 lbs
• 1 ton at 1" thick covers 165.5 sq ft = 18.4 sq yd
• 1 ton at 2" thick covers 82.8 sq ft = 9.2 sq yd
• 1 ton at 3" thick covers 55.2 sq ft = 6.1 sq yd

Metric Conversions

• 1 short ton = 0.907 metric tonnes
• 1 metric tonne = 1.102 short tons
• 1 cubic yard = 0.765 cubic meters
• 1 cubic meter = 1.308 cubic yards
• 1 square yard = 0.836 square meters
• 1 square meter = 1.196 square yards
• 1 foot = 0.305 meters
• 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters

Why Density Matters for Conversions

All volume-to-weight conversions require knowing the material density. Asphalt density varies by mix type:

• Dense-graded HMA: 145 lbs/cu ft (2,322 kg/m³)
• Warm Mix Asphalt: 140 lbs/cu ft (2,243 kg/m³)
• Cold Mix: 140 lbs/cu ft (2,243 kg/m³)
• Porous Asphalt: 130 lbs/cu ft (2,083 kg/m³)
• SMA: 150 lbs/cu ft (2,403 kg/m³)
• RAP: 135 lbs/cu ft (2,163 kg/m³)

Using the wrong density can cause estimation errors of 5-10% or more. Always select the correct asphalt type in our converter for accurate results.