What is a standard roof pitch?

4:12 to 6:12 is the most common residential range. 4:12 = 18.4°. 6:12 = 26.6°. Low pitch (2:12) requires special underlayment. Steep pitch (>12:12) is difficult to walk on.

How do I measure roof pitch?

Place a 12" level horizontally on the roof. From the 12" mark, measure straight down to the roof surface. That measurement in inches is your rise, giving you a rise:12 pitch.

Roof Pitch Calculator

Quick answer: Enter rise and run to calculate roof pitch, angle in degrees, and area multiplier.

Calculate roof pitch from rise and run dimensions. Find the angle in degrees, the roof area multiplier (for ordering shingles), and the traditional X:12 pitch ratio.

Last reviewed: April 2026Report an error

Rise

Run

Pitch Ratio

6:12

Pitch: 6:12, angle: 26.60°, multiplier: 1.1180.

Pitch Ratio

6:12

Angle (degrees)

26.60°

Area Multiplier

1.1180

How to Use This Roof Pitch Calculator

1Enter rise (vertical distance) in inches.
2Enter run (horizontal distance — typically 12 inches).
3Read pitch ratio, angle in degrees, and roof area multiplier.

Frequently Asked Questions

: 4:12 to 6:12 is the most common residential range. 4:12 = 18.4°. 6:12 = 26.6°. Low pitch (2:12) requires special underlayment. Steep pitch (>12:12) is difficult to walk on.
: Place a 12" level horizontally on the roof. From the 12" mark, measure straight down to the roof surface. That measurement in inches is your rise, giving you a rise:12 pitch.

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Roof Pitch Calculator

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