How to Estimate the Cost for Hot Mix Asphalt

Hot mix asphalt is a commonly used paving material and a solid alternative to concrete, as it's often comparable in price and durability and can be installed and ready to use in much less time. Asphalt is often used for driveways and walkways and is suitable for most climates and traffic conditions. In most cases, hot mix asphalt is measured and priced as a per-cubic-yard unit, making its cost estimation similar to other paving materials and simple enough for you to successfully complete.

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Instructions

- 1
  Measure the length and the width of the area to be paved.
- 2
  Calculate the area of the asphalt slab by multiplying its length by its width. If the area to be paved has an irregular shape, break it up into smaller sections that can be easily measured and calculated, then add together to find the total area in square feet.
- 3
  Divide the square footage of the area by 4 for 3-inch asphalt slabs (divide by 3 for 4-inch asphalt slabs) to find the volume of the slab in cubic feet.
- 4
  Divide the volume of the slab by 27 to convert the measurement to cubic yards (the most commonly used measurement for asphalt).
- 5
  Call a local asphalt-paving company and get a quote for the current cost of hot mix asphalt per cubic yard, plus delivery and installation charges, if applicable.
- 6
  Multiply the cost per cubic yard by the total volume calculated in Step 3 to find the total cost of hot mix asphalt; add any delivery and installation charges if they're not included in the unit asphalt cost.

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