Quick answer
One cubic yard of compacted hot mix asphalt weighs about 1.96 tons at 145 lb/ft³, so one ton is about 0.51 cubic yards. To convert, use cubic yards = tons × 2,000 ÷ density ÷ 27. Loose asphalt in the truck is lighter, around 1.55 tons per cubic yard.
Tons to cubic yards formula
Weight and volume are linked by density. For asphalt in pounds per cubic foot:
Tons = Cubic yards × 27 × Density (lb/ft³) ÷ 2,000
Example: 10 tons at 145 lb/ft³ is 20,000 lb ÷ 145 = 137.9 cubic feet, ÷ 27 = 5.11 cubic yards.
Asphalt conversion table
| Density | Tons per cu yd | Cu yd per ton |
|---|---|---|
| 115 lb/ft³ (loose) | 1.55 | 0.64 |
| 138 lb/ft³ (light mix) | 1.86 | 0.54 |
| 145 lb/ft³ (standard) | 1.96 | 0.51 |
| 150 lb/ft³ (dense mix) | 2.03 | 0.49 |
Square-yard yield per ton
Paving crews often think in square yards: how far does a ton go at this thickness? At 145 lb/ft³ each inch of asphalt weighs 108.75 lb per square yard.
| Thickness | Lb per sq yd | Sq yd per ton |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 109 | 18.4 |
| 1.5 in | 163 | 12.3 |
| 2 in | 218 | 9.2 |
| 3 in | 326 | 6.1 |
| 4 in | 435 | 4.6 |
Why density matters
Plants sell asphalt by weight, but you measure the job by area and thickness, which is volume. The density ties them together, so a small change in density changes every conversion. Ask the plant for the mix's compacted weight if you need an exact number. To go straight from measurements to an order, use the asphalt calculator; for recycled material, use the millings calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons are in a cubic yard of asphalt?
About 1.96 tons for compacted hot mix at 145 lb/ft³, which is why the rule of thumb is roughly 2 tons per cubic yard. It ranges from about 1.86 tons (138 lb/ft³) to 2.03 tons (150 lb/ft³).
How many cubic yards are in a ton of asphalt?
One ton of compacted hot mix at 145 lb/ft³ is about 0.51 cubic yards, or 13.8 cubic feet.
How many square yards does a ton of asphalt cover?
At 145 lb/ft³, one ton covers about 18.4 square yards at 1 inch, 12.3 at 1.5 inches, 9.2 at 2 inches and 6.1 at 3 inches thick.
What is the 110 pounds per square yard rule?
Estimators often assume one inch of asphalt weighs about 110 pounds per square yard. The exact figure at 145 lb/ft³ is 108.75 lb, so the rule slightly overestimates, which builds in a small margin.
Why do loose and compacted asphalt convert differently?
Asphalt in the truck is loose and weighs roughly 110–120 lb/ft³. Rolling squeezes out air, raising it to about 145 lb/ft³. The same ton therefore takes up more cubic yards loose than it does compacted.