Roof Pitch Calculator

Calculate roof pitch (slope), angle in degrees, and exact rafter length (hypotenuse) based on the rise and run of your roof.

Feet/Inches
Meters/mm

Roof Dimensions

Height from the top plate to the ridge.

Horizontal distance from the outside wall to the ridge (usually half the total span).

Roofing Expert Tips

1
Understanding Pitch (X/12)

Roof pitch is universally communicated as "inches of rise per 12 inches of run". E.g., a "4/12 pitch" means the roof rises 4 inches for every 1 horizontal foot.

2
Material Limits

Asphalt shingles usually require a minimum pitch of 2/12. If your roof is flatter than 2/12, you must use membrane roofing (EPDM/TPO) instead of shingles to prevent water pooling.

3
Rafter Length

The rafter length calculated is the exact mathematical hypotenuse. Don't forget to add your overhang, and remember to buy lumber slightly longer to allow for plumb cuts.