Snow Blower Size Chart(For All Types)

This snow blower size chart breaks down every major category, from small walkways to long rural driveways and heavy wet snow.

Choosing the proper size ensures you clear snow efficiently without overspending on a machine that’s too large for your needs or struggling with a blower that can’t keep up.

Snow Blower Size Chart

Snow Blower SizeClearing WidthType of BlowerIdeal Snowfall DepthBest ForNotes
Ultra-Compact10–12 inchesElectric single-stage0–4 inchesSteps, decks, patiosVery lightweight; great for minimal snow
Small12–16 inchesSingle-stageUp to 6 inchesWalkways, small paved drivesEasy to store; not for heavy snow
Compact18–20 inchesSingle-stageUp to 8 inchesShort drivewaysGood for moderate snow; paved surfaces only
Standard Residential (Small)20–21 inchesSingle-stage6–10 inchesSmall-to-medium drivesAffordable and quick
Standard Residential (Medium)22 inchesSingle-stage or small two-stage8–10 inchesMedium suburban drivewaysGreat all-purpose size
Entry Mid-Size23–24 inchesTwo-stage10–12 inchesSuburban drivewaysHandles wet/heavy snow better
Mid-Size24 inchesTwo-stage10–14 inchesMedium driveways, small hillsStronger engines; more traction
Large Residential26 inchesTwo-stage12–16 inchesLong paved/gravel drivewaysGood for deeper snow and ice
Heavy-Duty Residential27 inchesTwo-stage14–18 inchesLarge areas, longer drivewaysMore clearing per pass
Extra Heavy-Duty28 inchesTwo-stage16–18 inchesDrifts, wet packed snowMore torque and steel housing
Premium Residential29–30 inchesTwo-stage16–20 inchesLarge homes, rural drivewaysHigh power and faster clearing
Light Commercial30–32 inchesTwo- or three-stage18–22 inchesBusiness lots, rural homesExcellent for heavy storms
Commercial (Medium)32–34 inchesThree-stage20–24 inchesLarge properties, deep/icy snowFastest processing of heavy snow
Commercial (Large)36 inchesTwo- or three-stage20–26 inchesLong rural lanes, parking areasWide-path for faster work
Commercial Extreme38–40 inchesThree-stage24+ inchesHigh-snowfall zonesRequires powerful engine
Professional Wide-Path42–45 inchesTwo- or three-stage24+ inchesSmall parking lots, estate pathsFor severe winter regions
Compact Tractor Attachment42–48 inchesPTO or engine-driven18–30 inchesSmall tractors, farmsHandles heavy drifts with ease
Mid Tractor Attachment48–54 inchesPTO / hydraulic24–36 inchesEstates, farm lanesWide and powerful
Large Tractor Attachment60–72 inchesPTO-driven30+ inchesAgricultural, long private roadsIdeal for massive snow removal
ATV / UTV Snow Blower48–60 inchesEngine-driven12–24 inchesRanches, small farmsFaster than a push blower
Skid Steer Snow Blower60–84 inchesHydraulic / industrial24+ inchesCommercial snow removalExtremely powerful

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How to Read the Snow Blower Size Chart

To choose the right machine, consider three main factors:

1. Snowfall Amount

  • Light (0–6 inches) → Small or compact single-stage
  • Moderate (6–12 inches) → Mid-size 24–26″ two-stage
  • Heavy (12–18 inches) → Large 28–30″ two-stage
  • Severe (18+ inches) → Three-stage or professional wide-path

2. Driveway Size & Type

  • Small driveways / walkways → 12–20″
  • Medium suburban driveways → 22–26″
  • Long rural driveways → 28–34″
  • Estate or farm properties → 36–60″+ attachments

3. Type of Snow

  • Light, powdery snow → Single-stage works well
  • Wet, heavy snow → Two-stage recommended
  • Compacted or tall drifts → Three-stage or wide-path

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Snow Blower Size Recommendations (By Driveway Type)

Small Urban Driveway (1–2 Cars)

  • Recommended size: 18–22 inches
  • Suitable type: Single-stage or compact two-stage
  • Why: Easy to store, fast to maneuver

Standard Suburban Driveway (2–3 Cars)

  • Recommended size: 24–26 inches
  • Suitable type: Two-stage
  • Why: Handles deeper accumulation and wet snow

Long Rural Driveway (50–150+ Feet)

  • Recommended size: 28–34 inches
  • Suitable type: Two- or three-stage
  • Why: Faster clearing and better performance in drifts

Large Farm, Parking Lot, or Private Road

  • Recommended size: 36–60 inches
  • Suitable type: Professional or tractor attachment
  • Why: Designed for massive clearing jobs

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Understanding Snow Blower Size Categories

Single-Stage Snow Blowers (12–22″)

These are the smallest and simplest snow blowers. A rubber auger scoops snow and throws it out the chute in one motion.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and inexpensive
  • Great for paved surfaces
  • Easy storage

Cons:

  • Not good for gravel
  • Not ideal for deep snow

Best for: Light snow regions and short driveways

Two-Stage Snow Blowers (24–30″)

These use an auger to collect snow and an impeller to throw it farther.

Pros:

  • Can handle heavy, wet snow
  • Works on gravel
  • More powerful engines

Cons:

  • Heavier
  • More maintenance

Best for: Moderate to heavy snow areas

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Three-Stage Snow Blowers (24–34″)

These feature an accelerator that breaks down snow before sending it to the impeller.

Pros:

  • Fastest snow-clearing
  • Best for deep drifts
  • Great for icy, compacted snow

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Heavy-duty use only

Best for: Severe winter climates

Wide-Path & Tractor Snow Blowers (36–60″+)

These are designed for extremely large properties and constant winter use.

Pros:

  • Massive clearing width
  • Ideal for farms, estates, businesses

Cons:

  • High cost
  • Requires storage space

Best for: Commercial and rural use

Final words

A snow blower’s size determines how fast and efficiently you can clear your driveway. Using the snow blower size chart above, you can match the right clearing width with your snowfall levels, property size, and winter conditions. Whether you need a compact 20-inch model for city sidewalks or a 60-inch tractor attachment for a long rural drive, choosing correctly ensures you stay prepared all winter long.

George Bill
George Bill

George Bill is a Mechanical Engineer by Profession and an avid gardener and has been mowing his lawn for over 20 years. He has used a variety of different mowers during this time.
George is an expert at maintaining his mowers and over the years, he has learned many tricks and techniques for getting the best results from his mowers and is always happy to share his knowledge on this site.