What is my roof pitch?
Measure how many inches the roof rises over a level run. A 12 inch run is standard.
Roof pitch
6/12
How to measure
From the attic or under the overhang, hold a level against the bottom of a rafter. Mark 12 inches along the level, then measure straight up from that mark to the rafter. That's the rise.
Tips from the field
- Hold a level against the underside of a rafter, mark 12 inches, then measure straight up to the rafter.
- Most shingles need at least a 4/12 pitch. Lower roofs need special underlayment or a different roof.
What you'll need
Common questions
What does a 6/12 roof pitch mean?
The roof rises 6 inches for every 12 inches it runs horizontally, about a 26.6 degree angle.
What is the minimum pitch for shingles?
Most asphalt shingles need at least 4/12. Some allow 2/12 with double underlayment.
Is a steep roof walkable?
Roofs steeper than about 7/12 are hard to walk safely without roof jacks or a harness.
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Printed from housecalcs.com/tools/roof-pitch-calculator