Roof Area Calculation in Square Feet
Calculate your roof area and estimate materials needed for your roofing project
Roof Calculator
Material & Cost Estimation
Results
Roof Area
Base Area:
0 sq ft
Actual Roof Area:
0 sq ft
Material Needed
Squares:
0
Estimated Cost:
$0
Material Breakdown
| Material | Quantity | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calculate to see material breakdown | |||
Roof Visualization
Note: Visualization is approximate and not to scale
Roofing Information
Understanding Roof Pitch
Roof pitch is expressed as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run, typically with a run of 12 inches. For example, a 6/12 pitch means the roof rises 6 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal distance.
Steeper pitches result in larger actual roof areas compared to the building footprint.
Pitch Correction Factors
| Pitch | Angle | Factor | Pitch | Angle | Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/12 | 4.8° | 1.003 | 2/12 | 9.5° | 1.014 |
| 3/12 | 14.0° | 1.031 | 4/12 | 18.4° | 1.054 |
| 5/12 | 22.6° | 1.083 | 6/12 | 26.6° | 1.118 |
| 8/12 | 33.7° | 1.202 | 10/12 | 39.8° | 1.302 |
| 12/12 | 45.0° | 1.414 | 16/12 | 53.1° | 1.667 |
| 20/12 | 59.0° | 1.944 | 24/12 | 63.4° | 2.236 |
Roofing Materials
Choosing the right roofing material depends on your climate, budget, and aesthetic preferences.
Common Roofing Materials
- Asphalt Shingles: Most common, affordable, 15-30 year lifespan
- Metal Roofing: Durable, energy-efficient, 40-70 year lifespan
- Clay/Concrete Tiles: Excellent durability, 50+ year lifespan
- Slate: Premium option, extremely durable, 100+ year lifespan
- Wood Shingles/Shakes: Natural look, 25-30 year lifespan
Additional Materials Needed
- Underlayment
- Ice & water shield
- Drip edge
- Ridge vent/caps
- Flashing
- Nails/fasteners
How to Measure Your Roof
For safety reasons, it’s recommended to measure your roof from the ground or use professionally captured aerial measurements.
Measurement Tips
- Measure the length and width of your building’s foundation
- Account for any overhangs when measuring
- Determine your roof’s pitch (slope)
- For complex roofs, divide into sections and calculate each separately
- Always add a waste factor (typically 10-15%)
Professional Measurement
For complex roofs, consider having a professional roofer provide an estimate. Many roofing companies offer free measurement services as part of their quote process.