How Much Does 18 Tons of Asphalt Millings Cover?
How much does 18 tons of asphalt millings cover depends on how deep you spread it. At about 1.3 tons per cubic yard, 18 tons is roughly 13.8 cubic yards. Spread 4 inches deep, that covers about 1,122 square feet. Go thinner and it covers more; go deeper and it covers less.
Volume and tonnage calculator →How the coverage is figured
- Tons to cubic yards: 18 ÷ 1.3 = 13.8 yd³.
- Cubic yards to cubic feet: × 27 = 374 cu ft.
- Divide by depth in feet: at 4 inches (0.333 ft), 374 ÷ 0.333 = 1,122 sq ft.
Coverage of 18 tons at different depths
| Depth | Square feet covered | Square yards |
|---|---|---|
| 3 in | 1,495 | 166 |
| 4 in | 1,122 | 125 |
| 6 in | 748 | 83 |
About asphalt millings
Asphalt millings are ground-up old pavement. When compacted and warmed by sun they bind into a fairly firm surface, which is why they are popular for rural drives and lots. Weight runs about 1.2 to 1.4 loose tons per cubic yard, so treat the table as a planning range rather than an exact figure.
What 18 tons looks like on site
18 tons will usually take two or more truck loads, though legal limits vary by truck and state. Spread from the pile with a loader, skid steer or wheelbarrow, then rake to depth before compacting if the material calls for it.
- Check depth as you go. Stakes marked at the target depth help keep the spread even.
- Expect some loss. Compaction and uneven ground use more than the flat-math figure. Keep about 10 percent in reserve.
- Ask about moisture. Wet material weighs more, so a ton of it covers less.
To run your own numbers, use the volume and tonnage calculator.
Where asphalt millings fits
Good uses:
- Rural driveways and farm lanes
- Parking areas where a dust-free surface is wanted
- Low-cost base under a future paved surface
Less suited to:
- Areas near wells or streams where local rules limit them
- Decorative or barefoot areas
- Jobs needing a uniform, clean look
Quick reference numbers
- Per inch over 100 sq ft: about 0.40 tons of asphalt millings (0.31 cubic yards).
- Per inch over 1,000 sq ft: about 4.0 tons.
- Another size for comparison: a 14x28 area at 3 inches takes about 4.7 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.3 tons per cubic yard.
Mistakes that throw off the order
- Using inches as if they were feet. Depth has to be divided by 12 before you multiply; skipping that step inflates the order twelvefold.
- Measuring only the main rectangle. Aprons, turnouts and curved edges add real square footage.
- Assuming every supplier uses the same weight. Two yards selling the same product name can quote different tons per yard.
- Forgetting that compaction shrinks loose material. A loose 4-inch spread of a dense-graded stone may finish closer to 3 inches after rolling.
Questions people ask
How many cubic yards is 18 tons of asphalt millings?
About 13.8 cubic yards at 1.3 tons per yard.
How many square feet does 18 tons of asphalt millings cover at 4 inches?
About 1,122 square feet.
How many square feet does 18 tons cover at 3 inches?
About 1,495 square feet.
How much does a yard of asphalt millings weigh?
About 1.2 to 1.4 loose tons.
Will 18 tons fit in one truck?
It depends on the truck. Single-axle dump trucks often carry under 10 tons and tandems around 13 to 16; your supplier will know their limits.
Related guides
- How Many Tons of Asphalt Millings for a 40x25 Area?
- Tons to Cubic Yards for Gravel: Conversion Chart
- How Many Tons of Gravel in a Dump Truck? Loads and Coverage
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