Home
Back
Roof Pitch Formula:
| From: | To: |
Roof pitch is the steepness of a roof expressed as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run. It's typically measured in inches of rise per 12 inches of run and is crucial for determining roof design, material selection, and drainage capabilities.
The calculator uses the roof pitch formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how many inches the roof rises vertically for every 12 inches of horizontal run, providing a standardized way to express roof steepness.
Details: Accurate roof pitch calculation is essential for proper roof design, material selection, water drainage, snow load capacity, and building code compliance. Different pitches are suitable for different climates and architectural styles.
Tips: Enter rise in inches and run in feet. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will provide the pitch in the standard "X in 12" format used in construction.
Q1: What is considered a low pitch roof?
A: Low pitch roofs typically range from 2/12 to 4/12. These are common in modern and commercial buildings.
Q2: What is considered a steep pitch roof?
A: Steep pitch roofs are generally 9/12 and above. These are common in traditional and colonial-style homes.
Q3: How does pitch affect roofing materials?
A: Low pitch roofs require special waterproofing materials, while steep pitches can use standard shingles. Some materials have minimum pitch requirements.
Q4: What is the most common residential roof pitch?
A: 4/12 to 6/12 is most common for residential construction, balancing aesthetics, cost, and functionality.
Q5: Can I measure pitch without climbing on the roof?
A: Yes, you can measure from inside the attic using the same rise over run principle, or use specialized tools from the ground.