Roof Pitch Calculator
Calculate roof pitch, angle, and related measurements for your roofing projects. The roof pitch is the slope of a roof, representing the vertical rise divided by the horizontal run or span.
Roof Pitch Calculator
inches
inches
Understanding Roof Pitch
Roof pitch is typically expressed as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run. In the US, it's often stated as "X:12" (e.g., "6:12"), meaning a rise of X inches per 12 inches of horizontal run.
- Low Pitch: 2:12 to 4:12 (9.5° to 18.4°)
- Medium Pitch: 4:12 to 9:12 (18.4° to 36.9°)
- Steep Pitch: 9:12 and up (36.9°+)
Common Pitch Applications
- Flat Roofs: 1:12 or less, used in commercial buildings
- Low Slope: 2:12 to 4:12, often for ranch style homes
- Conventional: 4:12 to 9:12, common in residential
- Steep Slope: 9:12 or greater, Tudor, Victorian styles
Related Calculators
More About Roof Pitch
Why Roof Pitch Matters
Roof pitch affects many aspects of construction, including:
- Water drainage and snow load capacity
- Roofing material options and installation requirements
- Attic space and potential for living area
- Overall home style and aesthetics
- Installation costs and complexity
Calculating Materials
When planning a roofing project, knowing the pitch helps determine:
- The actual roof area (which is larger than the building footprint)
- Appropriate underlayment and flashing requirements
- Quantity of roofing materials needed (shingles, tiles, etc.)
- Labor costs, as steeper roofs are more difficult to work on