How Many Tons Are in 18 Cubic Yards Of Milled Asphalt?
Published on: January 13, 2026 | Last Updated: April 14, 2025
Written By: George Voss
18 cubic yards of milled asphalt weighs between 21.6 and 28.8 tons. To convert cubic yards to tons, multiply the volume by the material’s density: Milled asphalt typically has a density of 1.2 to 1.6 tons per cubic yard. This recycled material—crushed pavement containing aggregates (stone, sand) and bitumen binder—weighs 15-30% less than new asphalt due to air gaps in the milled pieces. Exact weight depends on compaction, age, and aggregate mix.
This article explains how to calculate asphalt tonnage, factors affecting density (like moisture or regional material blends), and why using milled asphalt saves up to 40% on paving costs. You’ll learn step-by-step conversion methods, environmental benefits of recycling, and how to adjust calculations for real-world projects like driveways or road bases.
Contents
Understanding the Density Of Milled Asphalt
To find out how many tons sit in 18 cu yards of milled asphalt, you must first grasp its density. Milled asphalt (also called RAP—Recycled Asphalt Pavement) contains crushed aggregates and bitumen from old roads. Its weight shifts based on physical traits and compaction.
What Determines the Weight Of Milled Asphalt?
Three factors impact mass: gradation of aggregates (stone size), bitumen content, and compaction. Larger stones create voids, dropping density. Higher bitumen ratios add stickiness but minimal mass. Tight compaction packs material tightly, boosting weight. Moisture from rain or storage can add up to 5% mass temporarily.
Typical Density Range for Asphalt Millings
Industry standards show milled asphalt weighs 110-130 lbs per cubic foot. Converting to tons: 1 cubic yard holds 1.5-1.8 tons. For 18 cubic yards, that spans 27-32.4 tons. PG binders (asphalt’s sticky component) and Superpave mix designs (modern paving specs) influence this range. Always confirm with a lab test for critical projects.
With this data in hand, moving from cubic yards to tons becomes a math task—but not without its quirks.
Step-by-step Conversion: Cubic Yards to Tons
To find how many tons in 18 cu yards of milled asphalt, use a simple math formula. Get both volume and density right for exact results.
Formula for Converting Cubic Yards Of Asphalt to Tons
Multiply cubic yards by density (in tons per cubic yard). The formula: Weight = Volume × Density. For milled asphalt, density ranges from 1.2 to 1.6 tons per cubic yard. Let’s break it down:
- Volume: 18 cubic yards (given)
- Density: 1.4 tons/cubic yard (average for milled asphalt)
- Weight: 18 × 1.4 = 25.2 tons
This shows 18 cubic yards of milled asphalt weighs roughly 25 tons. Adjust density based on your stockpile’s traits.
Why Density Matters in Weight Calculations
Density changes with milled asphalt’s rock size, how tight it’s packed, and water content. Loose, dry millings weigh less (1.2 tons/cubic yard). Compacted or wet stockpiles hit 1.6 tons/cubic yard. A 0.4-ton shift per cubic yard alters 18 cubic yards by 7.2 tons total. Check site specs or test samples for precise rates.
Ready to see how this plays out for real-world jobs? Let’s crunch the numbers for your exact project next.
Calculating the Weight Of 18 Cubic Yards Of Milled Asphalt
To find how many tons 18 cubic yards of milled asphalt weigh, multiply cubic yards by its density. Use the average millings density of 1.2-1.6 tons per cubic yard for rough estimates.
Example Calculation for 18 Cubic Yards
Take 18 cubic yards and multiply by the mid-range density (1.4 tons per cu yd):
| Density (tons/cu yd) | Total Tons for 18 cu yd |
|---|---|
| 1.2 (low) | 21.6 tons |
| 1.4 (avg) | 25.2 tons |
| 1.6 (high) | 28.8 tons |
This gives a weight range of 21.6-28.8 tons for 18 cubic yards of milled asphalt. Most jobs use 25.2 tons as a baseline.
Factors That May Affect Accuracy
Moisture: Wet millings weigh up to 10% more. Rain or high humidity adds water weight.
Compaction: Tightly packed millings have higher density. Loose piles may drop to 1.1 tons per cu yd.
Original mix: Old asphalt with more stone lasts longer but weighs more. Softer blends (like those with sand) weigh less.
Recycling process: Crushed millings vary in size. Fine grind packs tighter, raising density. Chunky bits leave air gaps.
Now that you know the weight of 18 cubic yards, see how reusing milled asphalt slashes project costs and landfill use.
Also See: How Compaction Affects Asphalt Longevity
Asphalt Recycling and Environmental Considerations
Knowing the weight of 18 cubic yards of milled material directly ties into its recycling potential. Precise tonnage figures help contractors optimize logistics while minimizing ecological footprints.
Benefits Of Using Milled Asphalt
Recycled milled asphalt reduces project costs by up to 30% compared to virgin mixes. Its compacted density of 3,300–3,500 lb/cu yd ensures stable bases for driveways or parking lots. Using reclaimed material lowers energy use by 60% during production versus new asphalt.
Reducing Waste Through Recycling
Processing 18 cubic yards of milled asphalt diverts ~30 tons from landfills. Recycling cuts demand for new binder by 20%, preserving finite bitumen reserves. Over 99% of reclaimed pavement gets reused, shrinking carbon emissions by 1.2 tons per 18-yard batch.
These eco-friendly metrics show why precise conversions—like calculating tons in 18 cubic yards—matter for sustainable construction. Next, we’ll tackle common queries about milled asphalt weights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Many Tons is a Cubic Yard Of Asphalt Millings?
A cubic yard of asphalt millings typically weighs between 1.2 to 1.6 tons, depending on the density of the material.
What is the Weight Of 18 Cubic Yards Of Milled Asphalt?
18 cubic yards of milled asphalt weighs between 21.6 and 28.8 tons, with 25.2 tons being an average estimate based on typical density values.
Is Milled Asphalt Suitable for Residential Driveways?
Yes, milled asphalt is a suitable option for residential driveways. It provides a durable surface and is a cost-effective alternative compared to new asphalt.
Final Thoughts
Converting 18 cubic yards of milled asphalt to tons involves understanding density and specific calculations. Generally, milled asphalt weighs between 1.5 to 2 tons per cubic yard, meaning 18 cubic yards typically ranges between 27 to 36 tons. However, factors like moisture content and material variation can influence these numbers.
Milled asphalt offers practical applications, from paving roads to resurfacing driveways. Its environmental benefits, such as reducing waste and recycling potential, make it a sustainable choice for construction projects.
For further information and resources, check out Asphalt Calculator USA.
