Snow Weight Calculator
Calculate the total weight of snow on a roof or surface. Enter area dimensions, snow depth, and snow type to find load in lbs, kg, and tons.
TOTAL SNOW WEIGHT
2,073 lbs
IN kg
940 kg
IN tons
1.04 tons
DENSITY
83 kg/m³
💡 How to Calculate Snow Weight on a Roof
Why Calculate Snow Weight?
Snow load is a critical structural safety concern. Snow can weigh far more than many homeowners realize, and excessive accumulation can exceed a roof's design load capacity, leading to structural damage or collapse. Understanding snow weight helps you decide when removal is necessary.
How to Calculate Snow Weight
Snow Weight Formula
Snow density varies significantly by type:
- Light dry snow: ~3 lb/ft³ (48 kg/m³)
- Average fresh snow: ~5 lb/ft³ (80 kg/m³)
- Wet heavy snow: ~12.5 lb/ft³ (200 kg/m³)
- Ice: ~31 lb/ft³ (500 kg/m³)
Worked Example
A 30 × 20 ft roof with 8 inches of average fresh snow:
Weight = 600 ft² × (8/12 ft) × 5 lb/ft³ = 2,000 lbs (1 ton)
Most US residential roofs are designed for 20–40 psf (pounds per square foot) ground snow load. A 1,500 sq ft roof with 2 feet of wet snow can hold over 15 tons — potentially exceeding design limits. For the water content of snow, see our snow water equivalent calculator.