Asphalt Yield Calculator
Turn tonnage into planned coverage, or compare placed mass with the yield expected from a measured paving area.
Asphalt Yield Calculator
Planned asphalt yield
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Compare the variance with the project specification. This yield check does not replace cores, density tests, or acceptance testing.
Plan coverage or check the placed mat
Use Plan coverage before paving. Enter the available tonnage, paving width, target compacted thickness, and mix density to estimate the area and lineal distance the load should cover.
Use Check placed yield after paving. Enter ticketed mass and measured mat dimensions. The result compares actual mass per area with the target implied by the specified thickness and density.
Asphalt yield formulas
Target spread rate in lb/yd² = density in lb/ft³ × compacted thickness in inches × 0.75. Planned coverage equals available pounds divided by that spread rate, with area converted between square yards and square feet.
Actual spread rate equals placed pounds divided by measured square yards. Variance is (actual − target) ÷ target × 100. Implied thickness reverses the target formula using the entered density.
Interpret variance as a field signal
A positive variance means more mass was placed per measured area than the target model predicts; a negative variance means less. Either can reflect measurement error, a density difference, a thickness difference, or ordinary edge and handling losses.
The implied thickness is not a core measurement. Confirm ticket totals, station limits, paving width, density source, and the contract acceptance procedure before acting on the result.
Technical references
- Georgia DOT Asphalt Paving course: covers paving calculations, tonnage, yield, and field quantity control.
- FHWA asphalt materials technical documents: provides background on asphalt density and field measurement.
- Asphalt Institute engineering FAQs: discusses density, compacted thickness, and construction practice.
Related asphalt checks
FAQ
What does asphalt yield mean?
Asphalt yield is the area or paving distance obtained from a known mass of mix. In field tracking it is often expressed as pounds per square yard or kilograms per square metre.
How do I calculate pounds of asphalt per square yard?
Multiply compacted density in pounds per cubic foot by compacted thickness in inches and by 0.75. For placed material, divide delivered pounds by the measured area in square yards.
Why can actual yield differ from the plan?
Measured width and length, mat thickness, mix density, truck-ticket mass, irregular edges, joints, waste, and material left in equipment can all change the field result.
Does implied thickness prove the pavement thickness?
No. It is an average inferred from mass, area, and the entered density. Cores or another specified field method are needed to verify actual thickness and density.
What yield variance is acceptable?
Use the project specification or agency procedure. Acceptance bands, lot rules, measurement methods, and pay adjustments vary, so the calculator does not apply a universal pass or fail limit.