A cubic yard of asphalt typically weighs between 2,000 and 2,400 pounds. This range exists because the exact weight can change based on different things like the materials used in the mix, how hot it is, and how much it is squeezed together. This number is key for figuring out the total weight of asphalt per yard and is a core idea in cubic yard asphalt weight. Knowing this helps people who buy and use asphalt for driveways, roads, and other projects.
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What Exactly Is Asphalt?
Before we talk more about how much it weighs, let’s quickly look at what asphalt is. Most people know it as the black stuff used to make roads and parking lots. It is a mix. It has two main parts. One part is tiny rocks and sand. These are called aggregates. The other part is a sticky black material called bitumen or asphalt binder. This binder holds the rocks and sand together. When it’s hot, this mix is soft and can be laid down. When it cools, it gets hard and strong.
Measuring Asphalt: Space vs. Weight
When you work with things like dirt or concrete, people often talk about a “yard.” This usually means a cubic yard. A cubic yard is a measure of space. Think of a box that is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet tall. The amount of space inside that box is one cubic yard.
But when you buy asphalt, you usually buy it by weight, in tons. A ton is 2,000 pounds. So, even though you might know you need enough asphalt to fill a certain space (like your driveway, measured in cubic yards), the company selling it will charge you based on how much it weighs.
This is where the Asphalt volume to weight conversion comes in. You need a way to change the size (cubic yards) into weight (pounds or tons) so you know how much to order and how much it will cost.
Grasping Asphalt Density
The link between the space asphalt takes up and its weight is called asphalt density. Density is a simple idea. It tells you how much “stuff” is packed into a certain amount of space.
Think of it like this: A box filled with feathers and the same size box filled with rocks. The box of rocks will weigh a lot more. This is because rocks are much denser than feathers. More “stuff” (mass) is packed into the same space.
For asphalt, density is measured as weight per unit of volume. A common unit is pounds per cubic foot or kilograms per cubic meter. But when talking about a cubic yard, people often mean the weight of a cubic yard. So, when we say a cubic yard of asphalt weighs 2,200 pounds, we are talking about its density in a practical way – how much a standard amount of its volume weighs. The higher the asphalt density, the more a cubic yard of it will weigh.
Hot Mix Asphalt Weight
The most common type of asphalt used for roads and driveways is called Hot mix asphalt. It’s called “hot mix” because it is made and laid down at very high temperatures, often over 300 degrees Fahrenheit (about 150 degrees Celsius). At this high heat, the asphalt binder is liquid and mixes well with the rocks and sand.
The Hot mix asphalt weight is what we are mostly talking about when discussing the weight per cubic yard. When it’s hot, it’s less dense than when it cools and gets hard. However, the weights we usually talk about (2,000 to 2,400 pounds per cubic yard) are for the mix after it has been laid down and compacted. The weight per yard is measured for the finished pavement, or at least the mix as it is being delivered, which is already quite dense.
How Many Tons Per Cubic Yard Asphalt?
Since asphalt is often bought by the ton, it helps to know how many tons per cubic yard asphalt there are. As we said, a cubic yard weighs between 2,000 and 2,400 pounds. A ton is 2,000 pounds.
So:
* If a cubic yard weighs 2,000 pounds, that is exactly 1 ton.
* If a cubic yard weighs 2,200 pounds, that is 2,200 / 2,000 = 1.1 tons.
* If a cubic yard weighs 2,400 pounds, that is 2,400 / 2,000 = 1.2 tons.
So, you can expect about 1 to 1.2 tons of asphalt in one cubic yard. This Tons per cubic yard asphalt number is very useful when you are figuring out your order. If you calculate that your project needs 10 cubic yards of asphalt, you’ll likely need to order about 10 to 12 tons.
Factors Affecting Asphalt Weight
Why is there a range in the weight of a cubic yard of asphalt? Why isn’t it always the same, like water? Water always weighs about 8.34 pounds per gallon. Asphalt is different because it’s a mix of different things, and how those things are put together matters. Several Factors affecting asphalt weight cause this difference.
Mix Type and Design
Different paving jobs need different types of asphalt mixes. For example, a major highway needs a stronger, more durable mix than a simple walking path. These different needs mean the mix has different “recipes.”
- Aggregate Size and Type: The rocks and sand make up most of the asphalt’s volume and weight. If the mix uses larger, denser rocks, the final asphalt will be heavier per cubic yard. Some rock types are naturally heavier than others. Using more fine sand versus larger stones also changes the weight.
- Asphalt Binder Content: The sticky black binder weighs less than the rocks and sand. Mixes with a higher percentage of binder might be slightly lighter than mixes with less binder, assuming the same aggregates are used. However, binder content is a smaller factor compared to the aggregates.
- Asphalt Mix Density: The overall design of the mix is aimed at a specific density. Engineers design mixes to have certain strengths and empty spaces (called air voids). A mix designed to be very dense and strong will weigh more per cubic yard than a mix designed to have more air pockets. This is the core idea behind
Asphalt mix density.
Temperature
Asphalt is laid when it is hot. When materials are hot, they often take up a little more space (expand) and are less dense. As asphalt cools, it gets denser. The weight per cubic yard is usually given for the cooled, finished pavement. However, the weight might be slightly different at the plant when it’s very hot compared to on the job site after it has cooled somewhat before laying.
Compaction
After hot asphalt is put down, it is squeezed and pressed by heavy rollers. This process is called compaction. Compaction pushes the rocks and sand closer together and squeezes out air pockets. More compaction means the asphalt becomes denser. A more compacted layer of asphalt will weigh more per cubic yard than a layer that wasn’t compacted enough. The listed weight per cubic yard (like 2,000 to 2,400 pounds) is usually based on the weight of properly compacted asphalt.
Typical Weight of Asphalt Per Yard
So, with all these factors, what is a good number to use for the weight of asphalt per yard?
For most common mixes used in driveways, parking lots, and local roads (often called Superpave mixes with common aggregate sizes), the cubic yard asphalt weight falls right in that 2,000 to 2,400 pound range.
- A very standard estimate often used for planning is about 2,200 pounds per cubic yard.
- This is equal to 1.1 tons per cubic yard.
This 2,200 pounds or 1.1 tons per cubic yard is a good number to keep in mind for typical projects. It helps with Asphalt volume to weight conversion.
Let’s look at this in a simple table:
h5 Common Asphalt Weight Estimates
| Unit of Volume | Estimated Weight (Pounds) | Estimated Weight (Tons) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cubic Yard | 2,000 – 2,400 | 1.0 – 1.2 |
| A common average | 2,200 | 1.1 |
Remember, this is an estimate. The actual weight can be higher or lower based on the factors we talked about.
Using an Asphalt Weight Calculator
Because the exact weight can change, and projects need different amounts, people who sell asphalt or plan big paving jobs use tools like an Asphalt weight calculator.
These calculators or charts help you figure out how much asphalt you need in tons based on the area you need to cover and the thickness you want the asphalt to be.
Here is how it generally works:
- Measure your area: Figure out the length and width of the area you need to pave in feet. Multiply length by width to get the square footage.
- Decide on thickness: Determine how deep you want the asphalt layer to be. This is also usually in inches or feet. (Remember to convert inches to feet by dividing by 12).
- Calculate Volume: Multiply the square footage by the thickness in feet to get the total volume in cubic feet. Then, divide the cubic feet by 27 (because there are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard) to get the volume in cubic yards.
- Convert Volume to Weight: Now you use the estimated
weight of asphalt per yard(like 2,200 pounds or 1.1 tons) to convert the volume (cubic yards) into weight (pounds or tons).
Example Calculation (Simple):
Let’s say you have a driveway that is 50 feet long and 12 feet wide. You want the asphalt to be 2 inches thick.
- Area: 50 feet * 12 feet = 600 square feet.
- Thickness: 2 inches. Convert to feet: 2 inches / 12 inches/foot = 0.167 feet (approximately).
- Volume in Cubic Feet: 600 sq ft * 0.167 ft = 100.2 cubic feet.
- Volume in Cubic Yards: 100.2 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/yard = 3.71 cubic yards (approximately).
- Convert to Weight (using 2,200 lbs/yard): 3.71 cubic yards * 2,200 pounds/cubic yard = 8,162 pounds.
- Convert to Tons: 8,162 pounds / 2,000 pounds/ton = 4.08 tons.
So, for this example driveway, you would need about 3.7 cubic yards of asphalt, which weighs about 4.1 tons.
Real Asphalt weight calculator tools used by suppliers might ask for the specific mix type because they know its typical Asphalt mix density. This gives a more accurate conversion than just using a general average.
Ordering Asphalt: Weight is King
When you call an asphalt plant to place an order, they will ask you how many tons you need. They sell asphalt by weight of asphalt per ton, not by volume. They load trucks based on weight.
So, while you figure out how much space your project takes up in cubic yards, you must convert that volume into tons to order. This is why understanding the Asphalt volume to weight conversion and the typical Tons per cubic yard asphalt is so important for anyone planning a paving job.
If you miscalculate the weight, you might order too little asphalt (and not finish the job) or too much (and waste money). The asphalt supplier’s calculator or their help will be valuable here.
Why Does the Weight Matter?
Knowing the cubic yard asphalt weight and the weight of asphalt per ton matters for several reasons:
- Cost: Asphalt is priced by the ton. The total weight is directly linked to how much you pay.
- Ordering: You must order the correct amount in tons from the supplier.
- Transport: Trucks have limits on how much weight they can carry safely and legally. Knowing the weight of the asphalt helps plan how many truckloads are needed. A standard dump truck might carry 10 to 15 tons, depending on its size and legal limits. If you need 30 tons, you know you’ll need 2 to 3 truckloads.
- Structural Design: For large projects like roads, engineers need to know the density and weight of the asphalt layer. This helps them design the road’s base layers and ensure the pavement can handle traffic loads. The
asphalt mix densityis a key factor in these designs. - Compaction Planning: Understanding the density helps workers know if they are achieving proper compaction on the job site. They can check the density of the laid asphalt to make sure it matches the required
asphalt densityfor the mix.
Interpreting Asphalt Mix Density
Different projects require different asphalt characteristics. This leads to a variety of asphalt mix designs. Each design has specific goals for strength, durability, and how water drains through it. These goals are often met by changing the proportions of different-sized aggregates and the amount of binder.
A mix designed for heavy traffic might use larger, tougher stones and be compacted to a very high density. This higher asphalt mix density means that a cubic yard of this mix will weigh more than a cubic yard of a mix designed for a light-traffic area, which might use smaller stones and be less densely packed.
Think of it like comparing concrete mixes. Concrete for a strong building foundation is different from concrete for a simple garden path. They use different amounts of cement, sand, and gravel, leading to different weights for the same volume.
The asphalt mix density is carefully controlled during manufacturing and laying to make sure the final pavement performs as expected.
What Impacts the 2,000-2,400 Pound Range?
Let’s revisit the factors that cause the weight to fall within that range.
- The Rocks: This is the biggest factor. The type of stone (granite, limestone, gravel, etc.) and how tightly packed the mix is (gradation of sizes) have a large effect. Some rock types are just heavier than others by nature. A mix with heavy, dense granite will weigh more than one with lighter, less dense gravel, even if the volume is the same. The mix design, which specifies the sizes of rocks and sand, also changes how well they fit together. A mix with a good blend of big and small pieces can often be compacted more tightly, leading to higher
asphalt density. - Binder Amount: While less impactful than aggregates, the amount of asphalt binder affects the weight. Mixes typically contain 4% to 7% binder by weight. This binder is less dense than the aggregates.
- Air Voids: Even after compaction, asphalt pavement has tiny air pockets. The amount of air is designed into the mix (part of the
asphalt mix densitygoal) and also depends on how well the mix was compacted on site. More air voids mean less “stuff” (aggregates and binder) in the same volume, making it lighter per cubic yard. Standard compacted pavement might have 3% to 8% air voids. - Temperature (at weighing): Asphalt is sold hot. The weight is measured on scales at the plant. While the density changes with temperature, the weight of the material on the truck doesn’t change unless material is lost (like steam). However, calculations for job planning often use the density of compacted asphalt at standard temperatures, which is what the 2,000-2,400 pound range represents.
Deciphering Asphalt Weight Per Yard
When you are figuring out how much material you need for a project, the asphalt weight per yard is your key conversion number. It lets you bridge the gap between the size of your project (measured in cubic yards) and the amount you need to order (measured in tons).
Using an estimate like 1.1 tons per cubic yard (or 2,200 pounds per cubic yard) is usually fine for estimating the amount needed for smaller jobs like driveways or patching. For larger or more exact projects, it is always best to:
- Get the specific mix design weight: Ask your asphalt supplier for the typical compacted density or
weight of asphalt per yardfor the exact mix you plan to order. They can give you a more precise number based on the materials they use. - Use an
Asphalt weight calculator: Many suppliers or paving companies have online calculators that use more accurate density figures for their specific mixes.
How Weight of Asphalt Per Ton Relates
The concept of weight of asphalt per ton might seem a bit confusing alongside weight per yard. Remember, a ton is a unit of weight (2,000 pounds), not volume.
When we say weight of asphalt per ton, we are really just stating the definition of a ton. One ton of asphalt is 2,000 pounds of asphalt.
The connection comes when you use the cubic yard asphalt weight (say, 2,200 pounds per cubic yard) to figure out how many tons are in a cubic yard (2,200 lbs / 2,000 lbs/ton = 1.1 tons/cubic yard). And then you use that Tons per cubic yard asphalt number to calculate the total tons needed for your project’s volume.
So, while weight of asphalt per ton is simply a definition, it’s the unit you use to order and pay for the asphalt, making the Asphalt volume to weight conversion essential.
Planning Your Project
Knowing the quick answer: How Much Does A Yard Of Asphalt Weigh is the first step in planning. Whether it’s for a small repair or a new surface, here is a simple plan:
- Measure Your Area: Find the length, width, and desired thickness of the area.
- Calculate Volume: Figure out the cubic footage, then convert to cubic yards.
- Estimate Weight: Use the typical
weight of asphalt per yard(like 2,200 lbs or 1.1 tons) to get an estimated total weight in pounds or tons. - Get a Quote: Contact asphalt suppliers. Give them your project details (area, thickness, perhaps intended use) and ask for a quote. Ask them about the typical
asphalt densityor conversion factor for the mix they recommend. They can help you confirm the amount in tons. - Consider Waste/Overages: It’s often wise to order a little more asphalt than your calculation shows (maybe 5-10%) to account for waste, uneven bases, or needing a little extra. This is something your supplier or contractor can advise on.
Using an Asphalt weight calculator provided by a supplier is often the most accurate way to estimate, as it will use numbers specific to their product and location.
Interpreting Asphalt Specifications
For larger projects, asphalt is ordered based on specific mix designs that meet local or state transportation department standards. These standards will specify the required asphalt mix density (often in terms of target air voids after compaction) and the properties of the aggregates and binder.
Contractors and engineers must ensure the asphalt delivered and placed on the job site meets these specifications. This involves testing the density of the compacted pavement using special tools. This ensures the road or surface will be strong enough and last as long as expected.
The Asphalt volume to weight conversion for these professional jobs is based on these strict density requirements, not just a general average. They know the target asphalt density for the specific mix and use that exact number for their calculations.
Weighing Asphalt on the Job
When asphalt trucks arrive at a job site, they have usually been weighed at the plant after loading. This weight is noted on a ticket. On larger jobs, trucks might also be weighed upon arrival or departure from the site, especially if material amounts are critical or multiple loads are used.
The payment is based on the total tons delivered as shown on the weight tickets. This ties everything back to the weight of asphalt per ton and makes accurate ordering via Asphalt volume to weight conversion crucial.
Putting it All Together
The cubic yard asphalt weight is a key number in paving projects. It tells you how much a standard amount of asphalt volume weighs. While a common average is around 2,000 to 2,400 pounds (or 1 to 1.2 tons), the exact weight depends on factors affecting asphalt weight, like the type of rocks and how dense the mix is (asphalt mix density).
Knowing the weight of asphalt per yard lets you use Asphalt volume to weight conversion to figure out how many tons you need to order from the supplier, as asphalt is sold by the weight of asphalt per ton. Tools like an Asphalt weight calculator help with this conversion, using the typical Tons per cubic yard asphalt for different mixes.
Whether you are a homeowner fixing a driveway or a contractor building a road, understanding these weights and how to convert between volume and weight is a basic but vital part of working with asphalt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
h4 Is a cubic yard of asphalt the same weight as a cubic yard of concrete?
No, they weigh different amounts. Concrete is usually heavier than asphalt. A cubic yard of standard concrete weighs about 3,500 to 4,000 pounds (1.75 to 2 tons). Asphalt is lighter, typically 2,000 to 2,400 pounds (1 to 1.2 tons) per cubic yard. Concrete uses more dense materials like cement and heavier aggregates.
h4 If I order one ton of asphalt, how much space will it cover?
This depends on the asphalt density or how much a cubic yard of that specific mix weighs. If you use the average of 1.1 tons per cubic yard:
1 ton / 1.1 tons/cubic yard = about 0.91 cubic yards.
So, one ton of asphalt is a little less than one cubic yard in volume. The exact space covered will also depend on the thickness you lay it at.
h4 Does cold asphalt weigh less than hot asphalt?
The density of asphalt changes with temperature. Hot asphalt is less dense (expands slightly). Cold asphalt is denser (contracts slightly). However, the weight of a fixed amount of asphalt does not change just because its temperature changes. A ton of hot asphalt still weighs 2,000 pounds when it cools down, it just takes up slightly less space. When talking about cubic yard asphalt weight, the number usually refers to the weight of a cubic yard after it has cooled and been compacted, when it is denser.
h4 How accurate do I need to be when figuring out the weight?
For small home projects, using an estimate like 1.1 tons per cubic yard is usually close enough for ordering. Ordering slightly extra (5-10%) is a good idea. For larger commercial projects, getting the exact asphalt mix density from the supplier and using a precise Asphalt weight calculator is very important to avoid waste and ensure the right amount is ordered for proper paving depth and compaction.
h4 What unit do asphalt suppliers sell by?
Asphalt suppliers sell asphalt by weight, in tons. You calculate the volume (cubic yards) your project needs and then use the Asphalt volume to weight conversion (based on cubic yard asphalt weight or Tons per cubic yard asphalt) to figure out how many tons to order.