Ice melt for a 5 × 50 ft sidewalk, by how bad the ice is
Pounds for one treatment of 250 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 | 0.75 lb | 1 | 0.02 |
| 5 lb per 1,000 sq ft | Normal snow and ice, cleared first | 1.25 lb | 1.67 | 0.03 |
| 8 lb per 1,000 sq ft | Thick ice or packed snow | 2 lb | 2.67 | 0.05 |
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 | 7.5 lb | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 12 treatments | 15 lb | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 20 treatments | 25 lb | 2 | 1 | 1 |
A public sidewalk in front of the house
Many towns require the owner to clear the public sidewalk within a set time after the snow stops, so check your local rules. A 5 × 50 ft stretch is 250 sq ft: 1.25 lb at the normal rate and 2 lb when it is packed snow or thick ice.
Shovel to the pavement first, then spread a thin band along the middle of the walk rather than the full width, so it does not wash into the grass strip by the curb. A long, narrow walk like this is quicker to treat with a hand spreader than by scattering, and it uses less.
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
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Frequently asked questions
How much ice melt for a 5 × 50 ft sidewalk?
About 1.25 lb for one treatment of normal snow and ice at 5 lb per 1,000 sq ft, on 250 sq ft. Use about 0.75 lb for a thin frost and 2 lb for thick ice or packed snow. Where the bag gives a rate, use that.
How many bags of ice melt for a 5x50 sidewalk for the winter?
1 bag of 40 lb for 12 treatments at the normal rate (15 lb in all). A snowy winter of 20 treatments takes 1 bag.
How much salt for a sidewalk?
For 250 sq ft of sidewalk, about 1.25 lb a treatment at the normal rate and 2 lb on packed snow or thick ice. A thin band down the middle is often enough.
Will ice melt kill the grass by the sidewalk?
Too much of it can. Salt that is swept or washed onto the grass strip builds up over a winter, so spread thinly and keep it to the walk.
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.