ConstructionInstant Tool
Bitumen Calculator
Calculate liquid asphalt binder volume, tack coat spray gallons, metric tonnes, and coverage area.
Bitumen and Tack Coat Calculator
Estimate liquid asphalt binder volume, tack spray gallons, and metric tonnage
ft
ft
gal/yd²
lbs/gal
How Bitumen Calculator Works
Bitumen Gallons = Area in sq yd × Application Rate gal/yd² × 1 + Waste AllowanceLiquid bitumen and asphalt emulsions are applied at specified rates per square yard depending on whether the application is a tack coat, prime coat, or chip seal surface treatment. Total area in square feet is converted to square yards by dividing by 9, then multiplied by the application rate and waste factor.
Variable Breakdown
L
LengthPaving surface length in feet
W
WidthPaving surface width in feet
Rate
Application RateBitumen application rate in gallons per square yard
Waste
Waste FactorAllowance for overspray, curbs, and surface absorption percentage
Example Calculation
Commercial Parking Lot Tack Coat
A 150 foot long by 24 foot wide asphalt repaving section requiring a tack coat spray at 0.08 gallons per square yard with a 5 percent waste allowance.
- Surface area = 150 ft × 24 ft = 3,600 square feet
- Square yards = 3,600 ÷ 9 = 400 square yards
- Net bitumen volume = 400 × 0.08 = 32.0 US gallons
- Total with 5 percent waste = 32.0 × 1.05 = 33.6 gallons
- Volume in liters = 33.6 × 3.78541 = 127.2 liters
- Weight in US tons at 8.5 lbs/gal = 33.6 × 8.5 ÷ 2000 = 0.14 tons
Result:Requires approximately 33.6 US Gallons 127 Liters or 1 standard 55-gallon drum of bitumen
Standard Bitumen Application Rates by Paving Treatment
| Application Type | Gallons per Sq Yd | Liters per Sq Meter | Typical Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tack Coat Light | 0.05 to 0.08 gal/yd² | 0.23 to 0.36 L/m² | Bonding fresh asphalt to milled asphalt |
| Tack Coat Heavy | 0.10 to 0.15 gal/yd² | 0.45 to 0.68 L/m² | Bonding asphalt to aged or rough concrete |
| Prime Coat | 0.20 to 0.30 gal/yd² | 0.90 to 1.35 L/m² | Penetrating granular aggregate subbase |
| Chip Seal Coat | 0.30 to 0.45 gal/yd² | 1.35 to 2.05 L/m² | Surface dressing with aggregate chip cover |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a tack coat and a prime coat?
A tack coat bonds two asphalt layers together or adheres asphalt to concrete, using a light application rate. A prime coat seals and binds unpaved granular base material prior to asphalt placement.
How much does a gallon of bitumen weigh?
Standard bitumen and liquid asphalt binder weigh approximately 8.5 pounds per US gallon about 1.02 kg per liter depending on temperature and specific gravity.
Why is a tack coat essential before paving asphalt?
Without a tack coat, the new asphalt overlay can slippage-crack, delaminate, or buckle under heavy vehicular braking and shearing forces.
How do I calculate square yards from square feet?
Divide total square feet by 9. For example, a 1,800 square foot driveway equals 200 square yards.
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