Asphalt Weight Calculator | Free Construction Calculators
Calculate accurate asphalt weight in tons and pounds for delivery planning and truck capacity verification. Our professional asphalt weight calculator helps contractors, logistics coordinators, project managers, and builders determine total weight based on project area, depth, and asphalt type including hot mix, warm mix, and cold patch formulations. Get instant weight calculations to ensure proper delivery truck sizing, verify road weight restrictions, plan equipment requirements, and coordinate material logistics. Perfect for scheduling deliveries, determining number of truck loads needed, checking bridge and road weight limits, and ensuring safe transportation of asphalt materials to job sites.
Multiple Asphalt Types
Calculate weight for hot mix, warm mix, and cold patch with accurate density values
Delivery Planning
Determine number of truck loads and verify weight capacity requirements
Tons and Pounds
Get results in both tons and pounds for ordering and logistics coordination
How to Use This Calculator
- Measure and enter the length of your paving area in feet
- Measure and enter the width of your paving area in feet
- Enter the asphalt depth (thickness) you plan to install
- Select the depth unit (inches for most applications, feet for large projects)
- Choose your asphalt type (hot mix is most common, warm mix and cold patch have different densities)
- Click Calculate to see total weight in tons and pounds, plus number of delivery trucks needed
Calculation Formula
Volume (cubic feet): Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft)
Weight (pounds): Volume × Density (lbs/ft³ based on asphalt type)
Weight (tons): Total pounds ÷ 2,000
Truck loads: Total tons ÷ 12 tons per standard tandem dump truck
About Asphalt Weight and Density
Asphalt weight calculations are critical for delivery logistics, truck capacity planning, and verifying compliance with road weight restrictions. Different asphalt types have varying densities that significantly affect total weight: hot mix asphalt (the most common type) weighs approximately 145 pounds per cubic foot, warm mix asphalt weighs about 140 pounds per cubic foot due to lower production temperatures and slightly different composition, and cold patch asphalt weighs around 135 pounds per cubic foot. These density values are industry standards, though actual weight can vary ±5% based on specific aggregate composition, asphalt binder content, air void content, and compaction level. For project planning, always use the higher density estimate to ensure adequate truck capacity and avoid overweight violations.
Standard asphalt delivery trucks come in several sizes with different weight capacities. Single-axle dump trucks typically carry 5-7 tons of asphalt and are suitable for small residential projects or areas with tight access. Tandem axle dump trucks are the industry standard, carrying 10-14 tons per load (most commonly 12 tons) and used for the majority of residential and commercial paving projects. Tri-axle dump trucks can carry 15-20 tons but require wider roads and stronger pavement for access. The actual load size depends on local weight restrictions, haul distance, and whether the truck must travel on weight-restricted roads or bridges. Many jurisdictions limit truck weights to 10-12 tons on residential streets, even if the truck has higher capacity, to prevent damage to existing pavement and underground utilities.
Road and bridge weight restrictions must be verified before scheduling asphalt deliveries, especially for large projects requiring multiple truck loads. Most states limit single-axle loads to 20,000 pounds and tandem-axle loads to 34,000 pounds on public roads, though local restrictions may be more stringent. A fully loaded tandem dump truck with 12 tons of asphalt plus the truck weight (typically 15,000-18,000 pounds empty) totals approximately 42,000-45,000 pounds, which exceeds many residential street limits. Drivers may need to reduce load sizes or use specific routes to comply with restrictions. For projects requiring 20+ tons, coordinate with your asphalt supplier about delivery schedules, load sizes, and route planning to ensure legal compliance and prevent damage to access roads leading to your project site.
Asphalt Type Density Reference
- Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA): 145 lbs/ft³ or ~2.0 tons/cubic yard - Standard for 90% of paving projects, excellent durability
- Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA): 140 lbs/ft³ or ~1.9 tons/cubic yard - Lower temperature production, better workability, eco-friendly
- Cold Patch Asphalt: 135 lbs/ft³ or ~1.8 tons/cubic yard - Bagged repair material, can be stored and used as needed
- Recycled Asphalt Millings: 100-120 lbs/ft³ or ~1.4-1.6 tons/cubic yard - Crushed reclaimed asphalt, used for base layers
- Dense-Graded Mix: 150 lbs/ft³ or ~2.0 tons/cubic yard - Heavy aggregate for maximum strength applications
- Porous Asphalt: 120-130 lbs/ft³ or ~1.6-1.8 tons/cubic yard - Permeable mix for drainage, lower density due to void space
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does asphalt weigh per cubic yard?
Hot mix asphalt weighs approximately 2 tons (4,000 pounds) per cubic yard, based on the standard density of 145 pounds per cubic foot. Since one cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, the calculation is: 27 ft³ × 145 lbs/ft³ = 3,915 pounds, which rounds to 2 tons. Warm mix asphalt weighs slightly less at approximately 1.9 tons per cubic yard (3,780 pounds), while cold patch weighs about 1.8 tons per cubic yard (3,645 pounds). The exact weight varies based on aggregate type—limestone aggregate produces lighter asphalt (~140 lbs/ft³) while trap rock or granite produces heavier asphalt (~150 lbs/ft³). Compaction also affects weight: freshly laid loose asphalt is less dense than fully compacted pavement. For ordering and delivery planning, use 2 tons per cubic yard as the standard estimate for hot mix asphalt.
How many tons of asphalt can a dump truck carry?
Standard tandem-axle dump trucks used for asphalt delivery typically carry 10-14 tons per load, with 12 tons being the most common capacity. Single-axle trucks carry 5-7 tons and are used for small residential projects or tight access areas. Tri-axle trucks can carry 15-20 tons but require adequate road width and turning radius. The actual load size is limited by legal weight restrictions rather than truck capacity in most cases. State and local regulations typically limit truck weights to protect roads and bridges: most jurisdictions restrict tandem-axle trucks to 34,000 pounds maximum on public roads, which translates to approximately 10-12 tons of asphalt plus truck weight. Your asphalt supplier will determine appropriate load sizes based on haul distance, access route restrictions, and local regulations. For large projects requiring 50+ tons, expect 4-5 truck loads spaced throughout the day.
What is the difference between hot mix, warm mix, and cold patch asphalt weight?
The weight differences reflect production temperatures and composition. Hot mix asphalt (HMA), produced at 275-325°F and the industry standard, weighs 145 lbs/ft³ due to its dense aggregate matrix and optimal binder coating. Warm mix asphalt (WMA), produced at 200-250°F with additives or foaming processes, weighs slightly less at 140 lbs/ft³ because lower temperatures create marginally different aggregate coating and compaction characteristics. Cold patch asphalt, which can be applied at ambient temperatures, weighs 135 lbs/ft³ as it contains different binders and additives to maintain workability without heating. For a 400-square-foot driveway at 3 inches depth (100 cubic feet), hot mix weighs 7.25 tons, warm mix weighs 7.0 tons, and cold patch weighs 6.75 tons. These differences matter for delivery planning but don't significantly affect cost since cold patch costs more per ton despite weighing less.
Do I need to check road weight restrictions before asphalt delivery?
Yes, absolutely verify weight restrictions for all roads and bridges between the asphalt plant and your project site, especially for residential areas and older infrastructure. Most states post weight limits on bridges (often 10-20 tons for older bridges), and many municipalities restrict heavy trucks on residential streets to prevent pavement damage. A fully loaded asphalt truck with 12 tons of material weighs 42,000-45,000 pounds total (including truck weight), which exceeds limits on many local roads. Contact your local department of transportation or public works to confirm restrictions. Your asphalt supplier can help plan delivery routes and may need to reduce load sizes (carrying 8-10 tons instead of 12 tons) or use specific approved routes. For large projects requiring multiple deliveries, schedule loads with adequate spacing (2-4 hours apart) to minimize concentrated weight on local roads. Violations can result in fines and liability for road damage.
How does asphalt weight change between delivery and final compaction?
The total weight remains constant, but density increases as asphalt is compacted from loose delivery state to final pavement. Freshly delivered asphalt has 8-12% air voids and weighs approximately 130-135 lbs/ft³ in loose form. During compaction with heavy rollers, air voids are reduced to 3-5%, increasing density to 145 lbs/ft³ for standard hot mix. This means the same 10 tons of material occupies less volume after compaction—what appears as 3.5 inches loose may compact to 3.0 inches final thickness, a reduction of approximately 15%. This is why contractors often specify "compacted thickness" rather than "loose thickness" in project specifications. The volume reduction is also why you should order 5-10% extra material beyond calculated amounts: some volume loss during compaction is normal and necessary for achieving proper density. Inadequate compaction (resulting in >8% air voids) leaves the pavement lighter per cubic foot but weaker and prone to premature failure from water infiltration and structural weakness.
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Professional Asphalt Weight and Delivery Tips
- Verify truck capacity: Confirm delivery truck size with supplier and ensure adequate access clearance and turning radius at site
- Check weight restrictions: Verify road and bridge limits along entire delivery route to avoid violations and delays
- Plan staging area: Ensure delivery trucks have firm, level ground for safe unloading—soft soil causes trucks to sink
- Coordinate timing: Hot mix must be installed within 30-60 minutes of delivery—have crew and equipment ready before arrival
- Schedule multiple loads: For projects requiring 20+ tons, space deliveries 2-4 hours apart for manageable installation workflow
- Account for weather: Rain delays can leave partial loads waiting—have tarps ready and schedule conservatively during uncertain weather
- Communicate access issues: Inform supplier about narrow roads, low bridges, or tight turns that may require smaller trucks or special routing
- Prepare for compaction: Loose asphalt occupies 15-20% more volume than compacted—don't panic if initial spread looks thin