Tons of Asphalt for 13,000 Square Feet
Tons of asphalt for 13,000 square feet: about 157.1 tons at 2 inches compacted and about 235.6 tons at 3 inches, figured at roughly 145 pounds per cubic foot. That is 1,444 square yards of pavement.
Asphalt tonnage calculator →Tons by thickness
| Thickness | Tons | Tons +5% |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 in | 117.8 | 123.7 |
| 2 in | 157.1 | 164.9 |
| 2.5 in | 196.4 | 206.2 |
| 3 in | 235.6 | 247.4 |
| 4 in | 314.2 | 329.9 |
How the numbers are built
- 13,000 sq ft × (2 ÷ 12) ft = 2,167 cubic feet at 2 inches.
- × 145 lb = 314,167 lb.
- ÷ 2,000 = 157.1 tons.
Quick check: about 0.006 tons per square foot per inch. See tons of asphalt per 1,000 square feet.
Putting the area in context
This is commercial scale: a parking lot, a long private road or a large apron. Commercial lots usually call for thicker sections and a binder course under the surface.
Trucks and ordering
At 3 inches, 235.6 tons is about 18 truckloads at around 14 tons each. Plants set minimum orders and charge for hauling; see asphalt hauling cost per ton.
Things that move the total
- Mix density typically runs 140 to 150 lb per cubic foot.
- Base condition: dips and ruts fill with extra mix.
- Waste of 5 to 10 percent is a common allowance.
Run exact numbers with the asphalt tonnage calculator.
When to choose asphalt
Works well for:
- Driveways, parking pads and private lanes that need a smooth, sealed surface
- Overlays on old pavement that is cracked but still structurally sound
- Areas where snow will be plowed, since a paved surface does not throw stone
Think twice for:
- Ground that stays soft or wet, unless the base and drainage are fixed first
- Very small patches, where bagged cold patch is often simpler
- Jobs in cold weather, since hot mix needs warm temperatures to compact properly
Quick reference numbers
- Per inch over 100 sq ft: about 0.62 tons of asphalt (0.31 cubic yards).
- Per inch over 1,000 sq ft: about 6.2 tons.
- Another size for comparison: a 8x16 area at 4 inches takes about 3.2 tons.
- Weight used here: about 2.0 tons per cubic yard (roughly 145 lb per compacted cubic foot).
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.
- Skipping drainage. Water sitting under any surface softens the base and leads to ruts and potholes.
- Ignoring the base. A thin surface layer over soft soil fails early no matter how much material is on top.
- Assuming every supplier uses the same weight. Two yards selling the same product name can quote different tons per yard.
Questions people ask
How many tons of asphalt for 13,000 square feet at 2 inches?
About 157.1 tons.
How many tons for 13,000 square feet at 3 inches?
About 235.6 tons.
How many square yards is 13,000 square feet?
About 1,444 square yards.
What density is used here?
145 lb per compacted cubic foot, a common planning figure.
Should I add extra?
Most estimators add 5 to 10 percent for waste and uneven base.
Related guides
- How Many Tons of Asphalt per 1,000 Square Feet?
- How to Convert Square Feet to Asphalt Tons
- How Many Square Feet Does a Ton of Asphalt Cover?
- Tons of Asphalt for 11,000 Square Feet
- Tons of Asphalt for 12,000 Square Feet
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