⚖️ Asphalt Unit Converter — Cubic Yards, Square Yards & Square Feet to Tons

Q: How many tons are in a cubic yard of asphalt?

At the standard HMA density of 145 lbs/ft³, 1 cubic yard of asphalt equals 1.96 tons. Formula: 1 CY × 27 ft³ × 145 lbs/ft³ ÷ 2,000 lbs/ton = 1.96 tons. For cold mix or RAP at 140 lbs/ft³, 1 CY = 1.89 tons.

Q: How do you convert square yards to tons of asphalt?

Formula: Tons = SY × 9 × (thickness_inches ÷ 12) × density_lbs_ft3 ÷ 2000. At standard HMA (145 lbs/ft³) and 2-inch thickness: 1 SY = 0.217 tons. At 3 inches: 1 SY = 0.326 tons. At 4 inches: 1 SY = 0.435 tons.

Q: What asphalt density should I use for conversions?

Use 145 lbs/ft³ for standard Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA). Use 148 for dense-graded HMA. Use 140 for cold mix or recycled asphalt (RAP). Use 125 for porous/open-graded asphalt. When in doubt, use 145 — it's the industry standard for ordering calculations.

Q: How do I convert cubic yards to tons for ordering asphalt?

Multiply cubic yards by 1.96 (at 145 lbs/ft³) to get tons, then add 5–10% waste factor. Example: 10 CY × 1.96 = 19.6 tons + 10% waste = 21.6 tons to order. Plants typically sell by the ton, so this conversion is essential for ordering.

Q: What is the quick tons-per-square-foot rule for asphalt?

Simple rule: Tons = Area (sq ft) × 0.00604 × thickness (inches). Example: 1,000 sq ft at 3 inches = 1,000 × 0.00604 × 3 = 18.1 tons (before waste). This matches the 145 lbs/ft³ standard density formula.

Instantly convert asphalt units — cubic yards to tons, square yards to tons, square feet to tons, and more. Uses standard HMA density of 145 lbs/ft³. Switch density for cold mix, RAP, or porous asphalt. For full material estimates, use our asphalt tonnage calculator.

Tons (incl. 10% waste)—

Cubic Feet—

Cubic Yards—

Estimated Cost—

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Weight (lbs)—

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Square Feet—

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Tons—

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Weight (lbs)—

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Cubic Feet—

Square Yards at 2"—

Square Yards at 3"—

Quick Reference Conversion Table

At standard HMA density (145 lbs/ft³) — no waste factor included:

Area	1" thick	2" thick	3" thick	4" thick
100 sq ft	0.60 tons	1.21 tons	1.81 tons	2.42 tons
200 sq ft	1.21 tons	2.42 tons	3.63 tons	4.83 tons
500 sq ft	3.02 tons	6.04 tons	9.06 tons	12.08 tons
1,000 sq ft	6.04 tons	12.08 tons	18.13 tons	24.17 tons
2,000 sq ft	12.08 tons	24.17 tons	36.25 tons	48.33 tons

Key unit conversions: 1 CY = 1.96 tons | 1 SY at 2" = 0.217 tons | 1 SY at 3" = 0.326 tons | 1 SY at 4" = 0.435 tons

Asphalt Density by Mix Type

Mix Type	lbs/ft³	kg/m³	Tons per CY	Notes
Hot Mix (HMA) Standard	145	2,323	1.96	Default for most calculations
Dense Graded HMA	148	2,371	2.00	High-traffic roads
Warm Mix Asphalt	143	2,291	1.93	Lower production temp
Cold Mix Asphalt	140	2,243	1.89	Patching, rural roads
Recycled (RAP)	140	2,243	1.89	Recycled asphalt pavement
Porous / Open-Graded	125	2,002	1.69	Drainage pavements
Polymer-Modified	148	2,371	2.00	High-performance modified binder
Stone Matrix (SMA)	150	2,403	2.03	Heavy-duty surface course

How to Convert Cubic Yards to Tons of Asphalt

Converting cubic yards to tons of asphalt is straightforward with this formula:

Tons = CY × 27 × Density (lbs/ft³) ÷ 2,000

At 145 lbs/ft³: 1 CY = 1 × 27 × 145 ÷ 2,000 = 1.9575 ≈ 1.96 tons

Worked Example — 10 Cubic Yards to Tons

Volume: 10 CY × 27 = 270 cubic feet
Weight: 270 × 145 lbs/ft³ = 39,150 lbs
Tons: 39,150 ÷ 2,000 = 19.58 tons
With 10% waste: 19.58 × 1.10 = 21.5 tons to order

Asphalt plants sell by the ton, so this CY to tons conversion is essential before placing an order. Always add 5–10% waste to your net quantity.

How to Convert Square Yards to Tons of Asphalt

Converting square yards to tons requires knowing the thickness. The formula is:

Tons = SY × 9 × (Thickness_in ÷ 12) × Density ÷ 2,000

At 2 inches, 145 lbs/ft³: 1 SY = 1 × 9 × (2÷12) × 145 ÷ 2,000 = 0.2175 tons

Worked Example — 500 Square Yards at 3 Inches

500 SY × 9 ft²/SY = 4,500 sq ft
Volume: 4,500 × (3÷12) = 1,125 ft³
Weight: 1,125 × 145 = 163,125 lbs
Tons: 163,125 ÷ 2,000 = 81.6 tons

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tons are in a cubic yard of asphalt?

At standard Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) density of 145 lbs/ft³, 1 cubic yard of asphalt = 1.96 tons. The formula is: 1 CY × 27 ft³ × 145 lbs/ft³ ÷ 2,000 lbs/ton = 1.9575 tons. For cold mix or recycled asphalt at 140 lbs/ft³, 1 CY = 1.89 tons. Always confirm the exact density with your asphalt plant.

How do you convert square yards to tons of asphalt?

Use this formula: Tons = SY × 9 × (thickness_inches ÷ 12) × density ÷ 2,000. At standard HMA density (145 lbs/ft³) and 2-inch thickness: 1 SY = 0.217 tons. At 3 inches: 1 SY = 0.326 tons. At 4 inches: 1 SY = 0.435 tons. Use the SY → Tons tab above for any combination.

How many square feet does 1 ton of asphalt cover?

At standard HMA density (145 lbs/ft³): 1 ton covers approximately 165 sq ft at 1 inch, 82 sq ft at 2 inches, 55 sq ft at 3 inches, and 41 sq ft at 4 inches. Always add 5–10% overage for waste, edges, and compaction variations when ordering.

What asphalt density should I use for conversions?

Use 145 lbs/ft³ for standard Hot Mix Asphalt — this is the industry default for ordering calculations. Use 148 for dense-graded HMA on high-traffic roads. Use 140 for cold mix or recycled asphalt (RAP). Use 125 for porous/open-graded drainage pavements. When in doubt, 145 is always a safe default.

How do I convert cubic yards to tons for ordering asphalt?

Multiply your cubic yards by 1.96 (at 145 lbs/ft³) to get tons, then add 5–10% waste. Example: 10 CY × 1.96 = 19.6 tons + 10% = 21.6 tons to order. Asphalt plants sell by the ton, not cubic yards, so this conversion is critical before you call for a quote.

What is the quick tons-per-square-foot rule for asphalt?

The quick rule: Tons = Area (sq ft) × 0.00604 × thickness (inches). This is based on 145 lbs/ft³ HMA. Example: 1,000 sq ft at 3 inches = 1,000 × 0.00604 × 3 = 18.1 tons (before waste). Add 10% for a final order quantity of ~20 tons. This mental math formula is helpful on-site.

⚖️ Asphalt Unit Converter — Cubic Yards, Square Yards & Square Feet to Tons

Quick Reference Conversion Table

Asphalt Density by Mix Type

How to Convert Cubic Yards to Tons of Asphalt

Worked Example — 10 Cubic Yards to Tons

How to Convert Square Yards to Tons of Asphalt

Worked Example — 500 Square Yards at 3 Inches

🔗 Related Calculators

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tons are in a cubic yard of asphalt?

How do you convert square yards to tons of asphalt?

How many square feet does 1 ton of asphalt cover?

What asphalt density should I use for conversions?

How do I convert cubic yards to tons for ordering asphalt?

What is the quick tons-per-square-foot rule for asphalt?