Convert roof rise and run into X:12 pitch, angle, slope multiplier, and estimated sloped roof area.
Enter the roof rise and run
Use any matching small units for rise and run. Horizontal area is the building-footprint projection covered by the roof planes.
Formula
Roof pitch and slope formulas
pitch = rise ÷ run × 12 slope factor = √(rise² + run²) ÷ run sloped area = projected area × slope factor
The sloped area does not include roofing waste. Send it to the roofing calculator to estimate squares and bundles with an appropriate allowance.
Measure safely
Avoid unnecessary roof access
Use plans, attic measurements, or safe ground-based methods when possible. Roof work presents serious fall hazards; use qualified professionals and appropriate protective systems.
Worked example
A 6:12 roof over a 1,600 ft² projection
Pitch6 ÷ 12 × 12 = 6:12
Anglearctan(6 ÷ 12) = 26.57°
Slope factor√(6² + 12²) ÷ 12 = 1.1180
Sloped area1,600 × 1.1180 = 1,788.9 ft² before waste
Pitch reference
Common roof pitches and slope factors
Multiply horizontal projected area by the slope factor
Pitch
Angle
Slope factor
2:12
9.46°
1.0138
4:12
18.43°
1.0541
6:12
26.57°
1.1180
8:12
33.69°
1.2019
10:12
39.81°
1.3017
12:12
45.00°
1.4142
The factor converts plan-view area to simple sloped-plane area. Measure dormers, intersecting roofs, and planes with different pitches separately.