Asphalt tonnage
Hot mix asphalt is sold by the ton. Compacted HMA typically weighs about 145 lb per cubic foot (roughly 110 lb per square yard per inch of thickness). Tons = L × W × thickness(in) ÷ 12 × 145 ÷ 2,000.
Example: 50 × 12 ft at 3 in = 150 cu ft × 145 = 21,750 lb ≈ 10.9 tons.
Typical thickness
- Residential driveway: 2–3 in of asphalt over 6–8 in compacted aggregate base
- Heavier traffic: 4 in or a two-lift system
Most of a driveway's lifespan depends on drainage and the base, so ask your contractor about base depth, not just asphalt thickness.