You enter the area in square feet, snow depth in inches, and snow type (light, wet, or packed). The tool converts depth to feet, multiplies by area for volume, then multiplies by the snow density to get total weight. Shoveling time is estimated at 30 minutes per 100 square feet regardless of depth. Salt requirements use a tiered rate based on depth: 100 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for shallow snow, scaling up to 200 lbs for depths over 4 inches.
Snow weight varies dramatically by type. Fresh powder weighs about 5–7 lbs per cubic foot, typical wet snow about 12–18 lbs, and packed or icy snow can reach 20–25 lbs per cubic foot. A single inch of wet snow on a 20×60-ft driveway can weigh over 1,000 pounds.
No. Standard rock salt (sodium chloride) can damage concrete less than one year old, harm vegetation, and corrode metal. Calcium chloride is gentler on concrete and works at lower temperatures but costs more. Avoid all deicers on brick pavers and natural stone unless the manufacturer approves it.
Most residential roofs are designed to handle 20–40 lbs per square foot of snow load. A foot of wet snow can approach 15–20 lbs per square foot. If accumulation exceeds 2 feet of wet snow or 4 feet of light snow, consider hiring a professional for roof snow removal.
Push snow rather than lifting when possible, clear snow before it gets packed down by foot traffic, work in passes across the width rather than the length, and apply salt or ice melt before the storm to prevent bonding. A snow blower dramatically reduces time for areas over 500 square feet.
Estimate only. Results reflect your inputs and standard formulas. Double-check important decisions independently.