Asphalt Tonnage
Calculator

It multiplies the area by the desired compacted thickness to get volume, then multiplies volume by asphalt's typical density (around 145-150 lb per cubic foot, or roughly 2 to 2.1 tons per cubic yard) to convert to weight, since asphalt mix is purchased and priced by the ton.

Hot mix asphalt density varies meaningfully with the aggregate blend and binder content of the specific mix design used, so using a generic density assumption instead of your supplier's actual mix density can meaningfully over- or under-estimate tonnage on larger paving jobs.

Yes, indirectly — the target thickness entered should be the desired compacted (final) thickness, since that's what determines pavement performance; the loose (uncompacted) mat as delivered from the paver is typically laid thicker than the compacted spec to account for the density increase from rolling.

Many driveways use a single lift, but roads and heavier-duty pavements often use a base course and a surface (wearing) course as separate layers with different mix specs — each layer needs its own tonnage calculation using its own thickness and possibly different density, then the totals are summed.

Thickness has a direct, linear effect on both structural performance and total tonnage — even a small unaccounted reduction in thickness across a large paved area adds up to a meaningfully weaker pavement section, so it's safer to calculate generously and confirm depth during placement rather than order the bare minimum.