Request plant tonnage
Give the plant the mix, compacted thickness, calculated tons, and waste allowance so it can confirm load sizing.
Continue planning
How the calculation works
We use 145.2 lb/ft³ FHWA planning value.
Formula: length × width × compacted depth × 145.2 lb/ft³ ÷ 2,000
Worked example
A 50 × 20 ft mat at 2 in compacted depth is about 13.3 tons with 10% waste.
Enter compacted mat dimensions
Measure each paving rectangle and use the designed compacted lift thickness; calculate irregular areas separately.
Frequently asked questions
What density does this tonnage estimate use?
It uses 145.2 lb/ft³ as a published planning value for hot asphalt mix.
Should separate lifts be combined?
Calculate each lift at its compacted thickness, then add the tonnage before applying order constraints.
Sources and assumptions
FHWA Federal Lands unit-weight guidance for hot asphalt mix.
Last reviewed: August 14, 2026. Read the methodology and sources.