🏔 Peak Performance 2025 is here. Get the report →
📞 Never miss a call again with AssistAI. Get access now →
FREE TOOLS FOR ROOFERS

Roof Pitch Calculator

Get precise roof pitch ratios and slope angles in seconds—helping you plan materials, meet code, and build with confidence.

What is roof pitch and why it matters

Roof pitch refers to the relationship between a roof’s height (rise) and its horizontal span (run). This ratio defines the steepness of your roof and directly impacts everything from drainage to material usage. Roof pitch is the common term used in roofing for slope that is typically standardized in a 12-inch run.

Using a Roof Pitch Calculator ensures every measurement is accurate before you order materials or begin installation. A higher pitch helps water shed faster, while a lower pitch may require special waterproofing considerations.

The Roof Pitch Calculator App translates your measurements into clear ratios, angles, and slope percentages. By referencing the roof pitch calculator chart, you’ll instantly know whether your project meets code requirements and manufacturer recommendations.

For single-slope designs, a lean to roof pitch calculator ensures balance and drainage efficiency.

How to get accurate measurements

Before entering numbers into the Roof Pitch Calculator, confirm your rise and run measurements are precise. Even a one-inch variation can throw off your slope ratio and lead to costly material errors. Always measure from consistent points across your roof.

The Roof Pitch Calculator App allows you to enter your data in feet or inches for flexible inputs. Once calculated, verify results using the roof pitch calculator chart to ensure the pitch matches your design requirements. If you’re working with an asymmetrical structure, the lean to roof pitch calculator can adjust for uneven slopes and deliver more accurate data for framing, materials, and load distribution.

How to calculate roof pitch in degrees

Here are the elements that a roofing contract should include.

  1. Identify rise and run: measure a 12” horizontal run and the corresponding vertical rise at that point.
  2. Open the Roof Pitch Calculator (or Roof Pitch Calculator App) and select “Degrees.”
  3. Enter values: type in the measured rise and run; the tool computes the angle automatically.
  4. Understand the math (optional): angle ° = arctan(rise ÷ run) × 180/π. For example, 6:12 ≈ 26.6°.
  5. Confirm visually: compare your output on the roof pitch calculator chart that maps common ratios (e.g., 4:12, 6:12, 9:12) to degrees.
  6. Adjust for single-slope roofs: if it’s a shed/lean-to, use the lean to roof pitch calculator mode to ensure the degree reading matches the one-plane design.
  7. Round appropriately: keep at least one decimal (e.g., 26.6°) for layout, flashing angles, and cut lists.
  8. Save & share: export the degree result from the Roof Pitch Calculator App to include in takeoffs, CAD notes, and installer instructions.

‍

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about measuring roof pitch that can help clear the air.
How do I measure my roof pitch safely?

Use a level, tape measure, and a Roof Pitch Calculator App. Measure from the attic or a safe ladder position—never walk directly on steep or wet roofs.

A

Can I measure roof pitch from the ground?

Yes. With a smartphone photo and a roof pitch calculator chart, some apps can estimate slope based on measurements taken from a distance.

A

What is the standard roof pitch for most homes?

Common residential roof pitches range between 4:12 and 9:12, depending on local weather, materials, and architectural style.

A

What does 4:12 or 6:12 mean in roof pitch?

The roof rises 4 or 6 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run. A 6:12 pitch is steeper than a 4:12.

The roof rises 4 or 6 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run. A 6:12 pitch is steeper than a 4:12. The ratio is an indication of the roof slope. Think of it as rise over run ratio expressed as either a fraction or a percentage.

Does roof pitch affect material choice?

The roof rises 4 or 6 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run. A 6:12 pitch is steeper than a 4:12.

Absolutely. Steeper roofs often use shingles or tiles, while low-slope roofs may require membranes or rolled roofing.

What’s a good roof pitch for heavy rainfall or snow?

The roof rises 4 or 6 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run. A 6:12 pitch is steeper than a 4:12.

In snow-heavy regions, aim for at least 6:12 or steeper to allow snow to shed naturally. The Roof Pitch Calculator can help plan this.