Free Bitumen Calculator
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For Hot Mix Asphalt (the most common type), use 2,320 kg/m³ as the default. The density varies by material: Dense Bitumen Macadam ≈ 2,400 kg/m³, Cold Mix ≈ 2,200 kg/m³, Stone Mastic Asphalt ≈ 2,450 kg/m³. For critical projects, always confirm density from your local mix design or lab test (ASTM D2041).

Use the formula: Weight (tonnes) = Length × Width × Thickness(m) × Density(kg/m³) ÷ 1,000. Then add 5–10% for waste and compaction. Our calculator does this automatically — just enter your dimensions and click Calculate.

Bitumen is the black, sticky binder (a petroleum by-product). Asphalt (or asphalt concrete) is the finished pavement material made by mixing bitumen with aggregate (crushed stone, gravel, sand). In everyday usage, "asphalt" and "bitumen" are often used interchangeably, especially in Australia and the UK.

A waste factor of 5% is standard for most projects. Use 3% for large, well-controlled highway jobs. Use 7–10% for smaller, irregular areas like driveways with curves. The waste accounts for material lost during compaction (volume reduces ~3–5%), edge trimming, and handling.

Divide the total weight (tonnes with waste) by the truck capacity. Standard dump trucks carry 10–15 tonnes; semi-trailers carry 20–25 tonnes. Our calculator uses 20 tonnes as the default truck size. You can adjust this estimate based on your local truck capacity.

For a residential driveway: 40–50mm (1.5–2 inches) for the wearing course plus 100–150mm of compacted base. For heavy-use driveways: 75mm (3 inches) asphalt. For parking lots: 50–75mm wearing course. For highways: 50–100mm per lift, multiple lifts. Local building codes may specify minimum thickness — always check.

Hot Mix Asphalt contains 4–8% bitumen by weight (typically 5–6%). The exact percentage is determined by mix design (Marshall Mix Design or Superpave). The remaining 94–96% is aggregate (crushed stone, gravel, sand). Higher bitumen content increases flexibility but reduces stability.

Our calculator supports both Metric (metres and millimetres) and Imperial (feet and inches). Select your preferred unit system at the top of the calculator. You cannot mix units within a single calculation — all inputs must use the same unit system.

Hot Mix Asphalt: 2,320 kg/m³ (145 lb/ft³). This is the most widely used value. However, density varies based on aggregate type, gradation, and bitumen content. Always use the density from your mix design if available. For rough estimates, 2,300–2,400 kg/m³ is a reliable range.

To convert tonnes to cubic yards: Weight (tonnes) ÷ Density (t/m³) = Volume (m³) × 1.308 = Volume (cubic yards). For HMA at 2.32 t/m³: 1 tonne ÷ 2.32 = 0.431 m³ × 1.308 = 0.564 cubic yards. Our calculator provides results in metric by default.