Pitch is the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run. If the roof rises 6 inches over a 12-inch run, it is commonly described as a 6:12 pitch.
Convert rise and run to roof angle
The roof angle comes from the arctangent of rise divided by run. Rather than doing the trigonometry manually, enter your measurements in the Roof Pitch Calculator.
Why pitch changes roof area
A sloped roof surface is larger than its horizontal footprint. The calculator provides an area multiplier that can help estimate surface area for simple roof planes.
Pitch can affect roofing cost
Steeper or more complex roofs may require different safety methods, labor time and material handling. Include complexity when using the Roof Replacement Cost Calculator.
Measure safely
Do not climb onto a roof just to obtain pitch measurements if you do not have appropriate access, conditions and safety equipment. Existing plans, attic measurements or professional measurement may be safer options.