Asphalt Weight Per Cubic Yard: Complete Conversion Guide
Knowing the asphalt weight per cubic yard is essential for ordering the right amount of material, calculating truck loads, and estimating project costs. Compacted hot mix asphalt weighs approximately 3,915 pounds (1.96 tons) per cubic yard. This guide covers the asphalt weight per cubic yard for every asphalt type, plus conversion formulas and real-world examples.
Skip the math — use our Asphalt Tonnage Calculator or Cubic Yard Calculator for instant conversions.
Asphalt Weight Per Cubic Yard by Type
| Asphalt Type | Weight Per Cubic Yard (lbs) | Weight Per Cubic Yard (tons) | lbs/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot mix asphalt (compacted) | 3,915 | 1.96 | 145 |
| Hot mix asphalt (loose) | 3,510 | 1.76 | 130 |
| Warm mix asphalt (compacted) | 3,780 | 1.89 | 140 |
| Cold mix asphalt | 3,240 | 1.62 | 120 |
| Recycled asphalt (RAP) | 3,375 | 1.69 | 125 |
| Asphalt millings (loose) | 2,700 | 1.35 | 100 |
| Asphalt millings (compacted) | 3,375 | 1.69 | 125 |
| Porous/pervious asphalt | 3,375 | 1.69 | 125 |
For material-specific calculations, use our specialized tools: Hot Mix Calculator | Cold Mix Calculator | Recycled Asphalt Calculator | Millings Calculator
Asphalt Weight Conversion Formulas
Formula 1: Area to Tons
Tons = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Thickness (in) ÷ 12 × 145 ÷ 2,000
Formula 2: Cubic Yards to Tons
Tons = Cubic Yards × 1.96 (for compacted HMA)
Formula 3: Tons to Cubic Yards
Cubic Yards = Tons ÷ 1.96
Quick Conversion Table: Cubic Yards ↔ Tons
| Cubic Yards | Tons (Compacted HMA) | Pounds | Approximate Coverage at 2" |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.98 | 1,958 | 81 ft² |
| 1 | 1.96 | 3,915 | 162 ft² |
| 2 | 3.92 | 7,830 | 324 ft² |
| 3 | 5.87 | 11,745 | 486 ft² |
| 5 | 9.78 | 19,575 | 810 ft² |
| 10 | 19.56 | 39,150 | 1,620 ft² |
| 20 | 39.11 | 78,300 | 3,240 ft² |
For instant calculations: Cubic Yard Calculator | Volume Calculator | Compacted to Loose Volume Calculator
Worked Examples
Example 1: Driveway
Driveway: 40 ft × 15 ft × 2" thick
Volume: 40 × 15 × (2/12) = 100 ft³
Cubic yards: 100 ÷ 27 = 3.70 yd³
Asphalt weight per cubic yard: 3,915 lbs
Total weight: 3.70 × 3,915 = 14,486 lbs (7.24 tons)
Verify with our Asphalt Driveway Calculator. For cost, see: How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost?
Example 2: Parking Lot
Parking lot: 100 ft × 50 ft × 3" thick
Volume: 100 × 50 × (3/12) = 1,250 ft³ = 46.3 yd³
Weight: 46.3 × 3,915 = 181,265 lbs (90.6 tons)
Truck loads (20 tons each): 5 loads
Use our Parking Lot Cost Calculator for complete estimates.
Example 3: Overlay
Overlay: 600 ft² × 1.5" thick
Volume: 600 × (1.5/12) = 75 ft³ = 2.78 yd³
Weight: 2.78 × 3,915 = 10,884 lbs (5.44 tons)
Use our Asphalt Overlay Calculator for overlay-specific estimates.
Why Asphalt Weight Per Cubic Yard Matters
- Ordering accuracy: Asphalt plants sell by the ton. Knowing the asphalt weight per cubic yard prevents over- or under-ordering.
- Truck capacity: A standard dump truck holds 12–15 tons. A tandem holds 18–22 tons. Knowing the weight helps plan deliveries.
- Cost estimation: At $80–$160 per ton, every extra ton matters. Use our Asphalt Cost Calculator.
- Structural design: Pavement engineers use density to verify compaction targets (92–96% of theoretical maximum).
- Base capacity: Your crushed stone base and subgrade must support the weight of the asphalt layer.
Asphalt Weight vs Other Materials
| Material | Weight Per Cubic Yard (lbs) | Tons/yd³ | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot mix asphalt | 3,915 | 1.96 | Asphalt |
| Concrete | 4,050 | 2.03 | Concrete |
| Gravel | 2,700 | 1.35 | Gravel |
| Crushed stone | 2,700 | 1.35 | Crushed Stone |
| Sand | 2,700 | 1.35 | — |
| Topsoil | 2,160 | 1.08 | — |
| Mulch | 600–1,000 | 0.30–0.50 | Mulch |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cubic yard of asphalt weigh?
The asphalt weight per cubic yard is approximately 3,915 pounds (1.96 tons) for compacted hot mix asphalt. Loose HMA weighs ~3,500 lbs/yd³. Use our Cubic Yard Calculator.
How many cubic yards in a ton of asphalt?
One ton of compacted asphalt equals approximately 0.51 cubic yards. Use our Tonnage Calculator for exact conversions.
How much does asphalt weigh per square foot?
At 2" thick, asphalt weighs approximately 24.2 lbs per square foot. At 3" thick, about 36.3 lbs/ft². Calculate: Asphalt Calculator.
How much does a truckload of asphalt weigh?
A standard dump truck carries 12–15 tons (6–7.6 yd³). A tandem axle carries 18–22 tons (9–11.2 yd³). See Asphalt Price Per Ton for delivery costs.