Pavement Calculator
Estimate paving materials, costs, and quantities for asphalt and concrete driveways, parking lots, and walkways.
Area & Volume
Cost Estimate
Project Summary
Common Pavement Thickness Guide
| Application | Asphalt | Concrete | Sub-base |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway | 3-4" | 4-6" | 4-6" |
| Parking Lot | 3-4" | 5-6" | 6-8" |
| Walkway | 2-3" | 3-4" | 4-6" |
| Patio | - | 4" | 4" |
| Residential Road | 4-6" | 5-6" | 6-8" |
| Commercial Road | 6-8" | 6-8" | 8-12" |
How Pavement Quantities Are Calculated
Asphalt: Tons = (Area × Thickness × 110) ÷ 2000
Concrete: Yards = (Area × Thickness) ÷ 324
Area: Length × Width (square feet)
Thickness: Converted to feet (inches ÷ 12)
Note: 1 ton of asphalt ≈ 110 lbs per square foot per inch
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a driveway cost?
Driveway costs vary by material and size. Asphalt driveways typically cost $3-7 per square foot ($1,500-5,000 for a standard 2-car driveway). Concrete driveways cost $5-12 per square foot ($2,500-8,000). Our calculator provides customized estimates based on your project dimensions and local rates.
How many tons of asphalt do I need?
Asphalt quantity is calculated as: (Length × Width × Thickness × 110) ÷ 2000. For a 40×20 ft driveway at 4 inches thick: (40×20×4×110) ÷ 2000 = 17.6 tons. Always add 10% for waste and compaction.
How many yards of concrete do I need?
Concrete volume is calculated as: (Length × Width × Thickness) ÷ 324. For a 40×20 ft driveway at 4 inches thick: (40×20×4) ÷ 324 = 9.88 cubic yards. Add 10% for waste and over-excavation.
What is the best pavement thickness for a driveway?
Asphalt driveways typically need 3-4 inches of compacted asphalt. Concrete driveways need 4-6 inches. A sub-base of 4-6 inches of crushed stone is recommended for both types. Heavier vehicles (trucks, RVs) require thicker pavement.
How much does asphalt cost per ton?
Asphalt costs vary by region and oil prices. Typically $80-150 per ton installed. Material alone is $50-90 per ton. Our calculator uses $120/ton as default but you can adjust for your local rates.
How much does concrete cost per yard?
Concrete costs typically $120-180 per cubic yard installed. Material alone is $80-130 per yard. Our calculator uses $120/yard as default. Prices vary by region and concrete mix design.
Asphalt vs Concrete: which is cheaper?
Asphalt is typically 30-50% cheaper upfront than concrete. Asphalt costs $3-7 per sq ft vs concrete $5-12 per sq ft. However, asphalt requires more maintenance (sealing every 2-3 years) while concrete lasts longer with minimal maintenance.
How long does pavement last?
Asphalt driveways last 15-20 years with proper maintenance. Concrete driveways last 25-40 years. Both require proper installation with adequate sub-base and drainage for maximum longevity.