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
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Body weight | Units: kg, lb |
| Method and effort | Choose one: Shovelling by hand, vigorous, Shovelling by hand, moderate, Shovelling by hand, relaxed, Riding a snow blower … |
| Shovelling time from | Choose one: I’ll enter the time, Calculate it from the amount of snow |
| Total time | Units: min, h |
| Snow type | Choose one: Fresh, dry powder, Average new snow, Settled snow, Wet, heavy snow … |
| Snow depth | Units: cm, in |
| Area to clear | Units: m², ft² |
| Snow per shovel | Units: kg, lb |
| Shovels per minute | A 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) |
|---|---|
| 41 | 129 |
| 61.5 | 194 |
| 82 | 258 |
| 102.5 | 323 |
| 123 | 387 |
| 164 | 517 |
Formula
kcal/min = MET × 3.5 × kg ÷ 200 · Snow mass = area × depth × snow density · Time = mass ÷ (load per shovel × shovels per minute)
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.
Frequently asked questions
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.