Snow weight calculator

This calculator helps you determine the weight of snow based on its depth and the area it covers. It's useful for assessing snow loads on roofs, vehicles, or structures.

Input Parameters

Calculation Results

Calculation Formula

Weight (lbs) = Snow depth (inches) × Area (sq ft) × Snow density (lbs/ft³) × 144 / 12

Where:
Snow depth (inches) is the depth of snow in inches
Area (sq ft) is the area covered in square feet
Snow density (lbs/ft³) is the weight of snow per cubic foot (varies by snow type and conditions)
144 is the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot
12 converts inches to feet

Snow weight calculator Calculator Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Snow weight calculator and its working principles

How to use the calculator

  1. Enter the snow depth in inches (e.g., 6 inches for 6 inches of snow)
  2. Enter the area covered by the snow in square feet (e.g., 1000 sq ft for a 10x100 ft area)
  3. Optional: Adjust the snow density if you know the specific type of snow. Average snow density is around 15 pounds per cubic foot, but this can vary:
    • New, powdery snow: 5-10 lb/ft³
    • Compacted snow: 20-30 lb/ft³
    • Ice: 50-60 lb/ft³
  4. Click the "Calculate" button to get the total snow weight and weight per square foot
  5. Click "Reset" to clear all inputs and start over

Understanding snow weight

Snow weight can be surprisingly heavy. For example, 6 inches of snow with an average density of 15 lb/ft³ would weigh approximately 720 pounds (0.5 ft × 1000 sq ft × 15 lb/ft³ = 750 pounds).

Safety considerations

When calculating snow loads, especially on roofs, it's important to:

  • Regularly monitor snow accumulation
  • Consult building codes for maximum recommended snow loads
  • Consider additional weight from ice, which is denser than snow
  • Implement proper snow removal procedures to prevent structural damage