Asphalt Tonnage Chart
Compare US tons per 1,000 square feet and coverage per ton across common compacted thicknesses.
Asphalt Tonnage Reference
US and metric weight for a flat, compacted 1,000 sq ft layer.
| Compacted thickness | US tons / 1,000 sq ft | Metric tonnes / 1,000 sq ft | Coverage / US ton |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 6.04 | 5.48 | 165.5 sq ft |
| 1.5 in | 9.06 | 8.22 | 110.3 sq ft |
| 2 in | 12.08 | 10.96 | 82.8 sq ft |
| 2.5 in | 15.10 | 13.70 | 66.2 sq ft |
| 3 in | 18.13 | 16.44 | 55.2 sq ft |
| 4 in | 24.17 | 21.92 | 41.4 sq ft |
| 5 in | 30.21 | 27.40 | 33.1 sq ft |
| 6 in | 36.25 | 32.89 | 27.6 sq ft |
Use the proposed mix's compacted density. These values contain no ordering allowance.
How to read the chart
Choose the compacted thickness, then read across to estimate material for 1,000 sq ft or coverage from one US ton. The values scale linearly: a 500 sq ft project uses half of the listed tons; a 2,500 sq ft project uses 2.5 times the listed tons.
Density is an input, not a universal constant
The default 145 lb/ft³ is a planning assumption. Actual compacted density varies by mix and project requirements. A 5% density change produces a 5% tonnage change for the same area and thickness.
Worked example
For 1,000 sq ft at 3 inches and 145 lb/ft³: 1,000 × (3 ÷ 12) × 145 = 36,250 lb. Divide by 2,000 to get 18.13 US tons, or about 16.44 metric tonnes. No allowance is included.
Common mistakes
- Reading the 1,000 sq ft column as the quantity for a different area without scaling it.
- Using loose depth or a generic density when the supplier has project-specific data.
- Adding compaction again after already using compacted thickness and density.
Supplier confirmation checklist
- Mix designation and compacted density;
- finished thickness and lift arrangement;
- minimum load, truck payload, rounding, and justified ordering allowance.
Chart versus calculator
This chart is best for quick comparisons. Use the main asphalt calculator for measured project dimensions and cost inputs, or the coverage calculator when the available tonnage is already known.
Source
The FHWA density demonstration report describes density as weight per unit volume and notes that aggregate differences can produce significantly different mixture densities. Review the density input guide and keep any extra quantity separate with the ordering allowance guide.