Roof Pitch Calculator

Q: What is a good roof pitch?

A good roof pitch for residential homes is typically 4:12 to 9:12 (18.4° to 36.9°). This range provides good drainage, snow shedding, and material compatibility while remaining cost-effective.

Q: How to measure roof pitch?

Measure the vertical rise and horizontal run of your roof. Use a level and tape measure to get accurate measurements, then input these values into the calculator for precise pitch determination.

Q: What pitch is best for snow?

Steeper pitches of 6:12 or more (26.6°+) are better for snow shedding. These slopes allow snow to slide off naturally, reducing the risk of ice dams and structural damage.

Q: Minimum pitch for shingles?

The minimum pitch for standard asphalt shingles is 2:12 (9.5°). Below this, you need special underlayment or alternative roofing materials to prevent water infiltration.

Q: How pitch affects cost?

Steeper pitches cost more to install due to increased material requirements, safety considerations, and labor complexity. However, they provide better drainage and durability.

Roof Parameters

Rise

Vertical rise

Run

Horizontal run

Calculation Type

Select output format

Calculation Results

Roof Pitch Calculator: Your Guide to Roof Slope

Need to calculate your roof pitch? Our Roof Pitch Calculator helps you determine the slope of your roof in multiple formats, including ratio, degrees, and percentage.

Understanding Roof Pitch

Roof pitch is important for several reasons:

Water Drainage: Proper water runoff
Material Selection: Appropriate roofing materials
Snow Load: Snow accumulation management
Wind Resistance: Wind load considerations
Aesthetic Appeal: Architectural design

How to Use the Roof Pitch Calculator

Enter Rise: Input vertical measurement
Enter Run: Input horizontal measurement
Select Format: Choose output type
Click Calculate: Get pitch measurements

Roof Pitch Calculation Formulas

Ratio (X:12):
Pitch = (Rise ÷ Run) × 12

Degrees:
Pitch = arctan(Rise ÷ Run)

Percentage:
Pitch = (Rise ÷ Run) × 100

Where:
Rise = Vertical measurement
Run = Horizontal measurement

Common Roof Pitch Standards

Low Slope (2:12 to 4:12):
- Ratio: 2:12 to 4:12
- Degrees: 9.5° to 18.4°
- Percentage: 16.7% to 33.3%
- Use: Modern homes, commercial
Conventional Slope (4:12 to 9:12):
- Ratio: 4:12 to 9:12
- Degrees: 18.4° to 36.9°
- Percentage: 33.3% to 75%
- Use: Residential homes
Steep Slope (9:12 to 12:12):
- Ratio: 9:12 to 12:12
- Degrees: 36.9° to 45°
- Percentage: 75% to 100%
- Use: Traditional homes
Very Steep Slope (12:12 and above):
- Ratio: 12:12 and above
- Degrees: 45° and above
- Percentage: 100% and above
- Use: Special designs

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Standard Residential Roof

Rise: 6 inches
Run: 12 inches
Calculation Type: Ratio
Results:
- Pitch Ratio: 6:12
- Pitch Degrees: 26.6°
- Pitch Percentage: 50%
- Classification: Conventional Slope

Example 2: Modern Low-Slope Roof

Rise: 3 inches
Run: 12 inches
Calculation Type: Degrees
Results:
- Pitch Ratio: 3:12
- Pitch Degrees: 14.0°
- Pitch Percentage: 25%
- Classification: Low Slope

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good roof pitch?

4:12 to 9:12 is most common for residential.

How to measure roof pitch?

Measure rise and run, then use calculator.

What pitch is best for snow?

Steeper pitches (6:12 or more) better for snow.

Minimum pitch for shingles?

2:12 minimum for standard shingles.

How pitch affects cost?

Steeper pitches cost more to install.