Roof Pitch & Geometry
Work out roof pitch from rise and run, convert between x/12 and degrees, turn a flat footprint into true roof area and roofing squares, and find rafter length and ridge height. These geometry figures feed every shingle, cost and gutter calculation. Working on a roof is dangerous — measure from the ground or from plans where you can.
Working on a roof is dangerous — falls are a leading cause of construction deaths. Measure from the ground, from plans or from photos where possible, use proper fall protection if you must go up, and consider hiring a licensed roofing professional. Results are planning estimates, not a bid.
Roof PitchFind your roof pitch from rise and run: get the x/12 pitch, the slope angle in degrees, the percent grade and the pitch multiplier for true roof area.Pitch to DegreesConvert roof pitch to degrees and back: x/12 to the slope angle, or a degree angle to the nearest x/12 pitch, with grade and pitch multiplier.Roof AreaTurn a flat footprint and a roof pitch into true roof surface area and roofing squares using the pitch multiplier — the number to order material from.Rafter LengthCalculate common rafter length from the run, the overhang and the roof pitch — the geometric line length for layout, not a structural rafter size.Ridge HeightFind how high the ridge sits above the wall plate from the run and roof pitch, plus optional plate height for the total ridge height above the plate line.
Every Roof Pitch & Geometry tool is calculated server-side — visible immediately — with its formula, a worked example and a reference table. Background reading is in the guides.