How to use the asphalt cost calculator calculator
- 1
Choose a pricing mode
Pick Cost by ton or Cost by cubic yard, depending on how your supplier quotes.
- 2
Size the project
Enter the area and thickness, plus an optional waste allowance, to get the volume.
- 3
Enter your pricing
For a per-ton price, also enter a density. Add your price and any delivery or fixed fee.
- 4
Review the total
Read the material subtotal, the fees, and the estimated total.
Formula
Estimated total = material subtotal + delivery + other fees
By ton, material subtotal is tons times your price per ton, where tons come from the volume and your density. By cubic yard, it is cubic yards times your price per cubic yard. Both add whatever delivery and fixed fees you enter.
Worked example
A 1,000 square foot area at 3 inches, priced by the ton at 120 dollars, with a density of 145 pounds per cubic foot and a 250 dollar delivery fee.
- 1Cubic yards: 1,000 x 3 / 324 = 9.26 cubic yards.
- 2Tons: 9.26 x 27 x 145 / 2,000 = 18.13 tons.
- 3Material: 18.13 x 120 = 2,175.60 dollars.
- 4Add delivery: 2,175.60 + 250 = 2,425.60 dollars.
At the entered prices the by-ton total is about 2,425.60 dollars.
Worked examples
Priced by the cubic yard
The same 9.26 cubic yards priced at 180 dollars per cubic yard, with a 250 dollar delivery fee.
- 1Material: 9.26 x 180 = 1,666.80 dollars.
- 2Add delivery: 1,666.80 + 250 = 1,916.80 dollars.
- 3No other fixed fee in this example.
At the entered prices the by-cubic-yard total is about 1,916.80 dollars.
Adding a fixed fee
The by-cubic-yard example above with an added 150 dollar mobilization fee.
- 1Material plus delivery: 1,916.80 dollars.
- 2Add the fixed fee: 1,916.80 + 150 = 2,066.80 dollars.
- 3Fixed fees do not scale with the amount of asphalt.
With the fixed fee the estimated total is about 2,066.80 dollars.
How asphalt cost is calculated
Cost starts with quantity. The calculator sizes the project from your area and thickness, adds an optional waste allowance, and produces cubic yards. From there, a per-ton price uses your density to convert the volume to tons, while a per-cubic-yard price applies directly to the volume.
Delivery and any fixed fee are added on top of the material subtotal, so the total reflects the full order rather than just the material. Every value is a number you enter, which keeps the estimate specific to your quotes.
Price per ton versus price per cubic yard
Suppliers quote asphalt in different units, so line up the inputs before comparing:
| Factor | Priced by ton | Priced by cubic yard |
|---|---|---|
| Needs a density | Yes, to convert volume to tons | No |
| Unit entered | Price per ton | Price per cubic yard |
| Volume source | Area and thickness | Area and thickness |
| Fees to add | Delivery and fixed fee | Delivery and fixed fee |
Delivery and fixed fees
Delivery can be a large share of a small order and a small share of a large one, so entering it separately keeps the estimate honest. A fixed fee covers anything that does not scale with the amount, such as a mobilization charge or a minimum.
Enter the fees that apply to your quote. The calculator keeps the material subtotal and the fees separate so you can see how each affects the total.
Why local pricing varies
Asphalt prices change with region, supplier, mix, oil prices, season, and order size, so there is no single figure to rely on. That is why this calculator asks for your own numbers rather than showing a market average.
For the most useful estimate, gather current quotes, including delivery and any minimum, and enter them here. To size the project first, use the asphalt calculator, and to focus on tonnage use the asphalt tons calculator.
Getting comparable quotes
To make sure two quotes can be compared fairly, confirm a few things with each supplier:
- 1The unit the price is in, whether a ton or a cubic yard.
- 2Whether delivery is included or added, and any minimum order.
- 3The mix density, so a per-ton quote lines up with your volume.
- 4Any fixed or mobilization fee that does not scale with the amount.
Common mistakes
Keep these in mind when estimating asphalt cost:
- Comparing a per-ton price to a per-cubic-yard price without the same volume
- Pricing by the ton without entering a density to find tons
- Leaving delivery out of one option but not the other
- Assuming a price instead of using a current quote
- Treating the total as a firm quote rather than a planning estimate
Area and Thickness to Cubic Yards
Cubic yards to price for each area and thickness. Multiply by your own price per cubic yard, or convert to tons with a density for a per-ton total.
| Area | 2 in | 3 in | 4 in | 6 in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250 sq ft | 1.54 | 2.31 | 3.09 | 4.63 |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 | 4.63 | 6.17 | 9.26 |
| 750 sq ft | 4.63 | 6.94 | 9.26 | 13.89 |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.17 | 9.26 | 12.35 | 18.52 |
| 1,500 sq ft | 9.26 | 13.89 | 18.52 | 27.78 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 12.35 | 18.52 | 24.69 | 37.04 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 18.52 | 27.78 | 37.04 | 55.56 |
Tonnage Mathematics by Entered Density
Mathematical examples by entered density, for converting volume to tons before a per-ton price. These are not asphalt material specifications.
| Entered density (lb/ft³) | Pounds per cubic yard | US short tons per cubic yard | Metric tonnes per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 1,350 | 0.675 | 0.612 |
| 75 | 2,025 | 1.01 | 0.919 |
| 100 | 2,700 | 1.35 | 1.22 |
| 125 | 3,375 | 1.69 | 1.53 |
| 150 | 4,050 | 2.03 | 1.84 |
Frequently asked questions
- How do I calculate the cost of asphalt?
- Size the project in cubic yards, then apply your own price per cubic yard, or convert to tons with a density and apply a price per ton. Add delivery and any fixed fee for the total.
- Should I price asphalt by the ton or the cubic yard?
- Use whichever unit your supplier quotes. Pricing by the ton needs a density to convert the volume to tons; pricing by the cubic yard applies to the volume directly.
- How much does asphalt cost per ton?
- That varies by region, mix, supplier, and season, so the calculator does not show a figure. Enter your own quoted price per ton to get an estimate for your project.
- How much does asphalt delivery cost?
- Delivery depends on the supplier, distance, and order size, so it is entered by you rather than assumed. Add it separately so it does not distort the material subtotal.
- Why does the calculator not show a market price?
- Asphalt pricing varies too much to assume one. Using your own current quotes keeps the estimate accurate for your project and location.
- Is the estimated total a firm quote?
- No. It is a planning estimate based on the numbers you enter. Confirm pricing, delivery, and minimums directly with your supplier.
Cost uses only the prices and fees you enter. Per-ton totals convert volume to tons with your density; per-cubic-yard totals price the volume directly; both add your delivery and fixed fees. No market price is assumed. See the YardCalc calculation methodology.
Results are planning estimates. Last reviewed 2026-07-07.