Roof Pitch Calculator
Roof Pitch Calculator: Find Your Perfect Roof Angle
Our comprehensive roof pitch calculator helps builders, architects, and homeowners determine the optimal slope for roofing projects. Convert between different pitch measurements and visualize your roof angle with our interactive tool.
How the Roof Pitch Calculator Works
The calculator converts between three common roof pitch measurement systems:
Ratio (X:12)
Standard in North America, represents inches of rise per 12 inches of run.
Degrees
Angle measurement familiar to engineers and architects worldwide.
Rise/Run
Direct measurement of vertical rise versus horizontal run.
Common Roof Pitch Examples
Key Benefits
Material Estimation
Determine exact material requirements based on roof slope for accurate budgeting.
Code Compliance
Ensure your roof meets local building code requirements for minimum pitch.
Visual Planning
See a visual representation of your roof angle before construction begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
In residential construction, pitches between 4:12 (18.4°) and 6:12 (26.5°) are most common. This range provides good water drainage while allowing standard roofing materials to be used.
Low-slope roofs (below 2:12) require special waterproof membranes. Standard asphalt shingles typically need at least 4:12 pitch. Metal roofing can work on lower pitches with proper underlayment.
Generally, 1/4″ per foot (1:48 pitch or about 0.6°) is the absolute minimum for drainage, but most building codes require steeper pitches for proper water runoff.
Use a level and tape measure: Hold a 12″ level horizontally against the roof, measure vertically from the end down to the roof surface – this gives your X in the X:12 ratio.
Yes, steeper pitches allow for better attic ventilation and snow shedding in cold climates, while lower pitches may be more energy efficient in hot, windy climates.