Roof Pitch Calculator
Accurately determine your roof slope with our easy-to-use calculator
Calculate Your Roof Pitch
Roof Pitch Visualization
This diagram shows a visual representation of your roof pitch based on your inputs.
About Roof Pitch
Roof pitch is a critical measurement in roofing that indicates the steepness or slope of a roof. It’s typically expressed as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run. Understanding your roof’s pitch is essential for selecting appropriate roofing materials, ensuring proper drainage, and planning construction or renovation projects.
Our roof pitch calculator simplifies this process, allowing homeowners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts to quickly determine their roof’s specifications. Whether you’re planning a new roof installation, considering solar panels, or simply need to know your roof’s characteristics, this tool provides accurate calculations instantly.
Common roof pitches range from flat roofs (less than 2:12) to very steep roofs (12:12 or greater). Each pitch range has specific considerations for materials, maintenance, and weather resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roof pitch refers to the steepness or slope of a roof, expressed as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run. It’s important because it affects water drainage, snow load capacity, material selection, and the overall aesthetics of a building.
To measure roof pitch, you need to determine the vertical rise for every 12 inches (or other standard unit) of horizontal run. You can do this from inside your attic by measuring the vertical distance from the top of a rafter to the bottom, then measuring the horizontal distance.
The most common residential roof pitch is between 4:12 and 6:12. This pitch provides good water drainage while still allowing for relatively easy maintenance and walking on the roof if necessary.
No, different roofing materials have minimum pitch requirements. For example, asphalt shingles typically require at least a 2:12 pitch, while some metal roofing systems can be installed on pitches as low as 1:12 with special installation methods.
Roof pitch can impact energy efficiency in several ways. Steeper pitches allow for better attic ventilation and can accommodate more insulation. They also affect how much solar radiation the roof absorbs, which can influence cooling costs in warmer climates.