Calculate estimated snow load, snow weight, pounds per square foot, total roof load, drift load, and added ice load. Use this snow load calculator for roofs, decks, sheds, barns, greenhouses, cabins, and winter safety planning.
Snow load from area:
The calculator converts snow depth to feet, multiplies by snow density to estimate pounds per square foot, then multiplies by roof area.
Roof dimensions:
Enter length, width, and a roof pitch factor to estimate adjusted roof snow load.
Snow drift estimate:
Enter drift depth and drift area to estimate extra load caused by snow piling up in one area.
Known PSF load:
Enter a known snow load in pounds per square foot to estimate total load and margin against a design load.
A snow load calculator helps estimate how much weight snow and ice may add to a roof, deck, shed, barn, greenhouse, or other structure.
It can be useful for winter planning, roof monitoring, snow removal decisions, shed and greenhouse safety checks, and comparing estimated loads to a rated design load.
Your result shows estimated snow load in pounds per square foot, total snow weight, tons of snow, drift load, ice load, adjusted load with safety factor, design load margin, and percent of rated load used. These are planning estimates and are not a substitute for local building code requirements or structural evaluation.
Convert snow depth to feet, multiply by snow density in pounds per cubic foot, then multiply by the roof or surface area.
Light snow may weigh about 5 to 10 pounds per cubic foot, while wet or packed snow can weigh 20 to 30 pounds per cubic foot or more.
Snow drifts can concentrate extra weight in one part of a roof, which may create a higher local load than evenly spread snow.
No. This calculator gives an estimate only. For roof safety, structural concerns, or heavy snow conditions, contact a qualified professional or local building authority.