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- Calculating how much asphalt you need
- Asphalt basics & applications
- Types of asphalt
Your guide to calculate your asphalt need
Note: The accuracy of this asphalt calculator (also known as a tarmac calculator) is proportionate to the accuracy of the measurements you enter. Ensure accurate measurements for accurate estimates.
Road builders, constructors and homeowners, often need to estimate the amount of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) required to cover a specific area. Our asphalt calculator (also known as a tarmac calculator) is a valuable tool for this purpose. The calculator uses a standard asphalt density of 145 lbs/ft3 (2322 kg/m3), which may vary slightly depending on the specific asphalt mixture you purchase.
Let’s get started!
The calculation process:
- Estimate the volume of asphalt needed: Use geometric formulas and project plans or measurements, including width, length, and depth (thickness).
- Estimate the density of the hotmix to be used: The standard density for asphalt is 145 lb/ft3 (2322 kg/m3).
- Multiply the volume by the density (in the same units) to get the weight.
The calculator formula:
A simple formula to estimate the asphalt volume and weight required: Volume (cubic feet) = Area (length × width) × Thickness Weight = Volume × Asphalt Density (145 lbs per cubic foot)
Inputs You’ll Need:
- Area Dimensions: The length and width of the project area (in feet or meters).
- Thickness: The desired depth of asphalt (in inches or centimeters).
- Asphalt Density: Typically 145 lbs/ft³ or 2,320 kg/m³.
This asphalt calculator supports measurement units such as inches, feet, yards, meters, and centimeters. Since measurements aren't always precise, and there can be waste during the application process, it's advised to purchase 5-6% more asphalt than estimated. This helps ensure you don't run out of material. For example, if the asphalt calculator indicates you need 10 tons of asphalt, purchase 10.5 or 11 tons to be on the safe side and avoid additional overhead costs.
For complex measurements, like irregularly shaped areas, simply divide the area into several regular-shaped sections. Then, calculate the volume and asphalt requirements for each section using the calculator and sum them up. If you need to do this for many sections, consider using a summation calculator. For slightly irregular shapes, you can make reasonable approximations by taking the average length or width.
Step-by-step instructions to use this asphalt calculator
- Select Calculation Type: Choose from options like length, width, depth, area, or volume.
- Input Dimensions: Enter area length, width, depth, area, or volume with units (e.g., feet, meters).
- Define Asphalt Density: Enter the asphalt density (e.g., lb/ft³).
- Add Cost (Optional): Enter price per unit of mass (e.g., per ton) or volume (e.g., per cubic foot).
- Calculate: Click "calculate" to process your inputs.
- View Results: See area, volume, weight, cost, and a visual representation.
- Reset: Click "Reset" to start a new calculation.
- Close: Click "x" to close the results box.
Asphalt basics & applications
Asphalt is a black, sticky, and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum. It is found naturally, but more commonly results from refinement and is classified as a pitch. Asphalt is highly recyclable, offering both cost savings and environmental benefits.
Asphalt (tarmac) is widely used for road surfaces, including highways, inner-city and inter-city roads, local roads, car parks, driveways, and pavements. These are the primary reasons people use our calculator. It's estimated that around 94% of the 2.6 million paved roads in the U.S. are made from asphalt. You can also find asphalt on racetracks, tennis courts, and dams. Given its water resistant nature, it’s ideal for cable and pipe coatings and general waterproofing. Asphalt is used in bituminous waterproofing products, where it's a component of roofing felt and is used for sealing flat roofs. Bitumen has other valuable qualities, including durability, high traction, and low light reflectivity.
In road construction, asphalt typically serves as a binding agent in asphalt concrete production. Bitumen is mixed with fine and coarse aggregates, such as sand, gravel, and crushed rock. Recycled polymers (e.g., recycled rubber tires) may be added to the hot mix asphalt to modify its properties depending on the intended application.
Our hot mix asphalt calculator helps you estimate how much you'll need.
Types of asphalt
There are more than one type of asphalt, primarily differentiated by the mixing temperature. Selecting the right type is crucial, and calculating its requirement basis the density more important.
- Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
- Warm Mix Asphalt
- Driveway Mix Asphalt
- Porous Asphalt
Why Use an Asphalt Calculator?
- Cost Savings: Precisely calculate the required asphalt, minimizing waste and unnecessary expenses.
- Time Efficiency: Quickly obtain estimates without the need for manual calculations and time-consuming spreadsheets.
- Enhanced Budget Accuracy: Develop more accurate budget projections for your project, improving overall financial planning.