How this calculator works
Ice melt is spread at a rate of pounds per 1,000 square feet. A light dusting or frost needs about 3 pounds, normal snow and ice (cleared first) about 5, and thick ice or packed snow about 8. The pounds for one treatment are the area divided by 1,000, times the rate. Multiply by the number of treatments in the winter to find the total, and divide by the weight of a bag, rounded up.
Worked example: a driveway 40 ft by 12 ft is 480 sq ft, which takes 2.4 lb of ice melt for one treatment at 5 lb per 1,000 sq ft. That is 3.2 12 oz mugs, or 0.06 of a 40 lb bag. Over 12 treatments it is 29 lb, which is 1 bags of 40 lb, costing $9.00 at $9 a bag. A thin frost (3 lb) takes 1.4 lb, and thick ice (8 lb) takes 3.8 lb. A sidewalk of 30 ft by 4 ft takes 0.60 lb, and a big lot of 100 ft by 20 ft takes 10 lb at a time. With 50 lb bags the winter takes 1 bags.
Ice melt for common areas (normal ice, 5 lb per 1,000 sq ft, 40 lb bags)
Pounds for one treatment, and bags for 12 treatments.
| Area | Size | Pounds per treatment | Bags for 12 treatments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 sq ft | 20 × 4 ft | 0.4 | 1 |
| 200 sq ft | 50 × 4 ft | 1.0 | 1 |
| 300 sq ft | 30 × 10 ft | 1.5 | 1 |
| 480 sq ft | 40 × 12 ft | 2.4 | 1 |
| 1200 sq ft | 60 × 20 ft | 6.0 | 2 |
| 2000 sq ft | 100 × 20 ft | 10.0 | 3 |
Tips before you buy
- Shovel first. Ice melt works on a thin layer of ice, and cannot melt a thick pack of snow.
- Spread it before a storm if you can, so that the snow cannot bond to the pavement.
- Use a hand spreader: it spreads evenly and uses less than scattering by hand.
- Keep it off new concrete for the first winter, and away from plants and lawns.
- Below about 15°F rock salt is little use: use calcium chloride, or sand for grip.
Tools & materials for this project
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Frequently asked questions
How much ice melt do I need for a driveway?
About 5 pounds for every 1,000 square feet for normal ice: 2.4 lb for a 40 by 12 ft driveway. Thick ice takes about 8 pounds per 1,000 sq ft, which is 3.8 lb.
How many bags of ice melt do I need for the winter?
For a driveway of 480 sq ft and 12 treatments, 1 bags of 40 lb. A snowy winter takes more.
How much rock salt does a sidewalk take?
A sidewalk of 30 by 4 ft takes about 0.6 lb, which is 0.8 coffee mugs of salt.
Does ice melt work in very cold weather?
Rock salt stops working at about 15°F. Calcium chloride works to about −25°F, but costs more. In very cold weather, sand gives grip.
Will ice melt damage my driveway?
Too much salt can damage new concrete and kill plants nearby. Use as little as you can, and leave new concrete alone for the first winter.
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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.