Roof Pitch Calculator
Calculates roof slope from rise and run measurements and outputs pitch ratio, angle, and rafter length
Vertical rise of the roof in inches
Horizontal run of the roof in inches
Enter rise and run to calculate pitch
Slope as a percentage
Roof angle in degrees
Rafter length per foot of horizontal run
Frequently Asked Questions
What does roof pitch mean?
Roof pitch describes the steepness of a roof as a ratio of rise to run. A 6:12 pitch means the roof rises 6 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run. Higher pitch numbers mean steeper roofs. Most residential roofs range from 4:12 to 12:12.
What is a common residential roof pitch?
The most common residential roof pitches are 4:12 to 8:12. A 4:12 pitch is the minimum recommended for standard asphalt shingles. Steeper pitches like 10:12 or 12:12 are more architectural and shed water and snow more effectively.
How do I measure roof pitch?
Place a level horizontally against the roof and measure 12 inches along it. Then measure the vertical distance from the end of the level down to the roof surface. That vertical distance in inches is your pitch per 12. For example, if it measures 6 inches, you have a 6:12 pitch.
Does roof pitch affect material costs?
Yes. Steeper roofs have more surface area than flat roofs with the same footprint, requiring more materials. A 12:12 pitch has about 41% more surface area than a flat roof. Steep roofs also cost more to install because they require additional safety equipment and slower work.
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