Estimate the tons of hot-mix asphalt needed for a driveway or lot from the area and compacted thickness.
tons = volume_ft³ × 145 lb/ft³ ÷ 2000
Compacted hot-mix asphalt weighs about 145 lb per cubic foot. Volume times density gives tonnage.
Residential driveways use 2–3″ of asphalt over a compacted gravel base.
A 40 x 12 ft driveway at 3 inches of compacted asphalt is 120 cubic feet. Hot-mix asphalt weighs about 145 lb per cubic foot, so that's 120 x 145 = 17,400 lb, or 8.7 tons. With 5% waste, order about 9.1 tons.
Asphalt is always sold and laid by the ton. The 3-inch figure is the compacted thickness — asphalt is laid thicker and rolled down, so discuss laid-versus-compacted depth with your paver. Residential drives typically get 2-3 inches of asphalt over 6-8 inches of compacted gravel base.
Density of compacted HMA is about 145 lb/ft³ — an industry average that varies with mix. Confirm with your supplier.
At 3″ thick, roughly 0.018 tons per square foot of compacted asphalt.