Roof pitch represents the steepness of a roof and is an important measurement for many roofing projects. Whether you are building a new roof or repairing an existing one, knowing the roof pitch helps in project planning and material selection.

A roof's pitch is its total vertical rise over the entire span of the roof, but it is typically expressed as inches of rise per horizontal foot. For example, a roof pitch of 4/12 means the roof rises 4 inches for every 12 inches, or one foot, of horizontal distance. Most roofs have a pitch between 4/12 (about 18°) and 8/12 (about 34°). Calculating roof pitch can become complicated with more complex roof designs, but it is a valuable measurement to know for any roofing project or repair.

How to measure roof pitch

You can find the pitch of your roof with just a level and a tape measure!

Follow these steps to calculate your roof pitch:

1. Find the length of your level.
2. Place one end of the level on the roof.
3. Holding the level parallel to the ground, measure the vertical distance between the far end of the level and the roof.
4. Divide the vertical distance by the length of the level.
5. Convert the result to a fraction with a denominator of 12.

Example:

If the vertical distance is 8 inches and the level is 24 inches long...

8 ÷ 12 = 4 ÷ 12, so the roof pitch is 4/12.

For another explanation of measuring roof pitch, watch the following video:

Any roofing project or repair has the potential risk of injury. Always use caution and the proper safety equipment when performing a roofing job, and use the help of a professional when necessary.

Need more roofing help? Don't be afraid to contact our friendly experts at (406)752-5253 or send us an email at tom@jakesales.com.

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