Asphalt Tonnage Calculator — HMA Paving Volume & Material Estimator

How It Works

1. Enter Paving Area Dimensions

   Input the length and width of the paving area in feet, or enter the total square footage directly. For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles, calculate each section, and sum the totals. The calculator supports multiple area sections.

2. Set Lift Thickness

   Enter the compacted lift thickness in inches. Typical thicknesses: surface course 1.5-2 inches, binder course 2-3 inches, base course 3-4 inches. For overlay projects, use the planned overlay thickness after milling.

3. Select Mix Type and Density

   Choose a standard mix density preset or enter a custom density in lb/ft3. Mix density varies by aggregate type, gradation, and asphalt binder content. Your plant or supplier can provide the specific mix density for your job mix formula.

4. Add Waste Factor

   Add a waste percentage to account for irregularities, handwork, and thickness variations. Use 5 percent for straightforward machine-paved surfaces and 10 percent or more for complex geometry, handwork areas, or variable subgrade conditions.

5. Review Tonnage and Truck Count

   See the total tons required, tons per section (if multiple areas), and estimated truck loads based on standard truck capacity (typically 20-25 tons per load). Use the truck count for scheduling plant production and haul logistics.

Built For

• Paving contractors estimating HMA tonnage for driveway, parking lot, and road construction bids
• Project managers planning haul logistics and coordinating truck count with the asphalt plant
• DOT estimators calculating overlay tonnage for state highway resurfacing projects
• Property managers budgeting for parking lot repaving and maintenance overlays
• Civil engineers verifying contractor material quantities during design review
• Homeowners getting a rough tonnage estimate before requesting paving contractor quotes
• General contractors estimating paving subtrade costs for site development bids
• Municipal public works departments planning annual paving program material budgets

Features & Capabilities

Standard Mix Density Presets

Built-in density values for dense-graded surface course (145 lb/ft3), dense-graded binder (148 lb/ft3), open-graded friction course (130 lb/ft3), stone matrix asphalt (150 lb/ft3), and warm mix asphalt (144 lb/ft3). Custom entry for specialty mixes.

Multi-Lift Support

Enter multiple lifts with different thicknesses and mix types. Common multi-lift structures: 2-inch surface over 3-inch binder over 4-inch base. The calculator totals tonnage for each lift and the overall project.

Waste Factor Adjustment

Apply a configurable waste percentage (0 to 25 percent) to the calculated tonnage. The adjusted tonnage is shown separately so you can see the base quantity and the waste margin.

Truck Load Calculator

Divides total tonnage by truck capacity (configurable, default 22 tons) to estimate the number of truck loads. Helps coordinate haul schedules and plant production timing.

Square Yard Output

Shows paving area in square yards alongside square feet, which is the standard unit used in DOT specifications and paving bid documents.

Compaction Factor

Optional loose-to-compacted thickness factor. Asphalt is placed at 10-15 percent greater thickness than compacted. Enter the compaction factor to convert between placed and compacted thickness.

PDF Export

Export your tonnage estimate as a branded PDF for bid proposals, material orders, or project documentation. Includes area breakdown, lift details, density assumptions, and total tonnage.

Frequently Asked Questions