# Snow Shoveling Calories Burned Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/sports/snow-shoveling-calories-burned/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The snow shoveling calorie calculator estimates the calories you burn clearing snow by hand or with a snow blower, and how long the job will take from the snow type, depth, area, shovel load and pace.

## Inputs

- Body weight (kg, lb)
- Method and effort
- Shovelling time from
- Total time (min, h)
- Snow type
- Snow depth (cm, in)
- Area to clear (m², ft²)
- Snow per shovel (kg, lb)
- Shovels per minute

## Results

- Snow mass
- Shovelling time
- Burn rate
- Total calories burned

## Formula

```
kcal/min = MET × 3.5 × kg ÷ 200 · Snow mass = area × depth × snow density · Time = mass ÷ (load per shovel × shovels per minute)
```

## Explanation

Shovelling heavy snow is hard work – up to 7.5 METs, as much as running. It is also a known trigger of heart problems in people who are not used to exertion, so pace yourself.

### How to use the Snow Shoveling Calories Burned Calculator

- **Body weight**
- **Method and effort**
- **Shovelling time from**
- **Total time**
- **Snow type**
- **Snow depth**
- **Area to clear**
- **Snow per shovel**
- **Shovels per minute**

Snow shovelling can strain the heart. Warm up, push rather than lift, and take breaks. Everything is calculated in your browser.

### How it works

Enter your weight and how you are clearing the snow. Either enter the time or let the calculator work it out from the amount of snow.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterBody weightUnits: kg, lbMethod and effortChoose one: Shovelling by hand, vigorous, Shovelling by hand, moderate, Shovelling by hand, relaxed, Riding a snow blower …Shovelling time fromChoose one: I'll enter the time, Calculate it from the amount of snowTotal timeUnits: min, hSnow typeChoose one: Fresh, dry powder, Average new snow, Settled snow, Wet, heavy snow …Snow depthUnits: cm, inArea to clearUnits: m², ft²Snow per shovelUnits: kg, lbShovels per minuteA number

### What each result means

- **Snow mass** = [Area to clear]×[Snow depth]×[Snow type]
- **Burn rate** = ([Method and effort])×3.5×([Body weight])÷200×(1)
- **Total calories burned** = ([Method and effort])×3.5×([Body weight])÷200×([Shovelling time])

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Body weight** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Body weight (kg)Total calories burned (kcal)4112961.519482258102.5323123387164517

## Worked example

Inputs — Body weight: 82 kg; Method and effort: Shovelling by hand, moderate; Shovelling time from: I'll enter the time; Total time: 30 min.

Results — Shovelling time = 30 min; Burn rate = 8.61 kcal/min; **Total calories burned = 258 kcal**.

## Key terms

- **Snow density**: Mass per volume of snow; wet snow is 3–4× heavier than powder.

## FAQ

**How many calories does shovelling snow burn?**
About 400–600 kcal per hour by hand for most adults.

**How heavy is a shovel of snow?**
5–10 kg (11–22 lb) depending on snow type.

**Is shovelling dangerous for the heart?**
It can be for unfit people – take breaks and push rather than lift.

**Does a snow blower burn calories?**
Yes, but far fewer than shovelling.


## Sources

- [2011 Compendium of Physical Activities (Ainsworth et al.)](https://pacompendium.com/)
- [ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription](https://www.acsm.org/education-resources/books/guidelines-exercise-testing-prescription)