Ice melt for a 12 × 40 ft driveway, by how bad the ice is
Pounds for one treatment of 480 sq ft at the three rates in the calculator, the same in 12 oz coffee mugs, and the share of a 40 lb bag it uses:
| Rate | Ice | Ice melt | Mugs | 40 lb bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 lb per 1,000 sq ft | A dusting or thin frost | 1.44 lb | 1.92 | 0.04 |
| 5 lb per 1,000 sq ft | Normal snow and ice, cleared first | 2.4 lb | 3.2 | 0.06 |
| 8 lb per 1,000 sq ft | Thick ice or packed snow | 3.84 lb | 5.12 | 0.10 |
Bags for the winter
At the normal rate, by how many times you treat it in a winter and the size of bag you buy. Bags are rounded up to whole bags.
| Winter | Ice melt | 20 lb bags | 40 lb bags | 50 lb bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 treatments | 14.4 lb | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 12 treatments | 28.8 lb | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 20 treatments | 48 lb | 3 | 2 | 1 |
A long single driveway with a slope to the street
A 12 × 40 ft driveway is 480 sq ft and takes about 2.4 lb a treatment, 3.2 mugs, and 1 bag of 40 lb for a normal winter of 12 treatments. These are the calculator's own defaults, so the calculator opens on this driveway.
Long driveways often slope down to the street, and the slope is where tires spin. Treat it first and at the heavier rate, 0.96 lb if the slope is the bottom 10 ft, and throw sand on top for grip when it is too cold for salt to work. The level part near the house can wait for the shovel.
See how much ice melt you need for spreading tips.
Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Ice Melt Calculator: How Much Salt for a Driveway or Walk: edit any number and the results update instantly.
Tools & materials for this project
Affiliate links As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. These links do not change what you pay.
Frequently asked questions
How much ice melt for a 12 × 40 ft driveway?
About 2.4 lb for one treatment of normal snow and ice at 5 lb per 1,000 sq ft, on 480 sq ft. Use about 1.44 lb for a thin frost and 3.84 lb for thick ice or packed snow. Where the bag gives a rate, use that.
How many bags of ice melt for a 12x40 driveway for the winter?
1 bag of 40 lb for 12 treatments at the normal rate (28.8 lb in all). A snowy winter of 20 treatments takes 2 bags.
How much ice melt for a sloped driveway?
Treat the slope at the heavier rate of 8 lb per 1,000 sq ft: the bottom 10 ft of a 12 ft wide driveway takes about 0.96 lb. Add sand when it is too cold for salt to work.
How much ice melt is 2.4 lb?
About 3.2 twelve-ounce coffee mugs. Spread it with a hand spreader so it goes on evenly.
Related sizes and guides
Related sizes
Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.