Installing a new blacktop (asphalt) surface is a significant investment for driveways, parking lots, or other paved areas. The total cost is primarily determined by the volume of asphalt needed and the price per unit of that asphalt. This calculator helps you estimate these costs based on the dimensions of your project and the prevailing market rates for asphalt.
How the Calculation Works
The calculation involves several steps:
Calculate Area: The surface area of the project is determined by multiplying its length by its width.
Formula: Area = Length × Width
Convert Depth to Feet: The desired depth of the asphalt is usually given in inches. To calculate volume in cubic feet, this depth must be converted to feet.
Formula: Depth (feet) = Depth (inches) / 12
Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet: The volume of asphalt needed is calculated by multiplying the area by the depth in feet.
Formula: Volume (cubic feet) = Area × Depth (feet)
Convert Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards: Asphalt is typically sold and priced by the cubic yard. Since there are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft), we convert the volume.
Formula: Volume (cubic yards) = Volume (cubic feet) / 27
Calculate Total Cost: Finally, the total cost is determined by multiplying the total volume in cubic yards by the cost per cubic yard.
Formula: Total Cost = Volume (cubic yards) × Cost per Cubic Yard
Factors Influencing Blacktop Costs
While this calculator provides a good estimate, several real-world factors can affect the final price:
Site Preparation: This includes excavation, grading, and compaction of the base layer. If significant work is needed, costs will increase.
Asphalt Mix: Different asphalt mixes have varying properties and costs.
Labor Costs: The complexity of the job and local labor rates play a role.
Equipment Rental: Specialized equipment may be required, adding to the overall expense.
Location: Transportation costs for materials and labor can vary by region.
Additives: Some projects may require additives for increased durability or specific performance characteristics.
Waste: Contractors often factor in a small percentage for material waste.
Use this calculator as a starting point for budgeting your blacktop project. Always obtain detailed quotes from reputable contractors for an accurate final price.
function calculateBlacktopCost() {
var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById("areaLength").value);
var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById("areaWidth").value);
var depthInches = parseFloat(document.getElementById("depthInches").value);
var costPerCubicYard = parseFloat(document.getElementById("costPerCubicYard").value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
resultDiv.innerHTML = "; // Clear previous results
if (isNaN(length) || isNaN(width) || isNaN(depthInches) || isNaN(costPerCubicYard) ||
length <= 0 || width <= 0 || depthInches <= 0 || costPerCubicYard < 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields.';
return;
}
var areaSqFt = length * width;
var depthFt = depthInches / 12;
var volumeCuFt = areaSqFt * depthFt;
var volumeCuYards = volumeCuFt / 27;
var totalCost = volumeCuYards * costPerCubicYard;
// Format the result to two decimal places for currency
var formattedCost = totalCost.toFixed(2);
resultDiv.innerHTML = '$' + formattedCost + 'Estimated Blacktop Cost';
}