How Much Does Asphalt Weigh? Volume & Area Tables
Asphalt has no single universal weight. Mix composition and compaction determine density, while volume or thickness determines the total mass.
Updated August 20, 2026 · By Asphalt Calculator Editorial Team
Key takeaways
- At the planning density of 145 lb/ft³, one compacted cubic yard weighs 3,915 lb or 1.9575 US tons.
- At that density, each inch of compacted asphalt weighs about 12.08 lb per square foot.
- Use the mix-specific density when ordering or checking a project.
Core formula
Weight = Volume × Density
Weight by cubic volume
A cubic foot at 145 lb/ft³ weighs 145 lb. A cubic yard contains exactly 27 cubic feet, so it weighs 3,915 lb at the same density. In metric units, 145 lb/ft³ is approximately 2,322.68 kg/m³.
Those values describe compacted asphalt at the stated density. Loose hot mix in a truck, a sample with different air voids, or recycled millings may not match them.
| Compacted volume | Weight at 145 lb/ft³ |
|---|---|
| 1 ft³ | 145 lb / 65.77 kg |
| 10 ft³ | 1,450 lb / 0.725 US ton |
| 1 yd³ (27 ft³) | 3,915 lb / 1.9575 US tons |
| 1 m³ | 2,322.68 kg / 2.323 tonnes |
Weight per square foot at common thicknesses
Area becomes weight only after thickness is known. At 145 lb/ft³, one inch is one-twelfth of a foot, so each inch contributes about 12.083 lb/ft². Multiply that value by compacted inches.
| Compacted thickness | Weight per ft² at 145 lb/ft³ |
|---|---|
| 1.5 in | 18.13 lb |
| 2 in | 24.17 lb |
| 2.5 in | 30.21 lb |
| 3 in | 36.25 lb |
| 4 in | 48.33 lb |
Why actual asphalt weight differs
Dense aggregates can increase mixture density. Binder content, gradation, air voids, moisture, temperature, and rolling affect measured unit weight. Compacted HMA often falls in a planning range around 135–150 lb/ft³, but project documents should control.
For hauling, rely on certified scales and legal payload requirements. A calculator can estimate mass but cannot replace a scale ticket.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of asphalt weigh?
At 145 lb/ft³, one compacted cubic yard weighs 3,915 lb, equal to 1.9575 US tons. Density changes the answer.
How much does asphalt weigh per cubic foot?
145 lb/ft³ is a common compacted HMA planning value, while actual mixes can be lighter or heavier.
How much does 3-inch asphalt weigh per square foot?
At 145 lb/ft³, it weighs 36.25 lb per square foot because 3 inches equals 0.25 ft.
Do asphalt millings weigh the same as hot mix?
Not necessarily. Millings gradation, moisture, and compaction make their bulk density more variable and often lower.
Can weight be estimated without density?
No defensible volume-to-mass conversion is possible without a density assumption or measurement.