Loading...
Convert roof pitch between ratio, degrees, and percentage with material recommendations.
Roof pitch is the slope of a roof expressed as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run, typically shown as inches of rise per 12 inches of run (e.g., 6/12).
| Pitch | Degrees | % | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/12 | 4.8° | 8.3% | Low slope, flat-look roofs |
| 2/12 | 9.5° | 16.7% | Minimum for asphalt shingles |
| 4/12 | 18.4° | 33.3% | Common residential |
| 6/12 | 26.6° | 50.0% | Standard residential |
| 8/12 | 33.7° | 66.7% | Steep residential |
| 10/12 | 39.8° | 83.3% | Very steep |
| 12/12 | 45.0° | 100.0% | 45° angle |
| 14/12 | 49.4° | 116.7% | A-frame style |
Formula
Pitch = Rise ÷ Run × 12 | Degrees = arctan(Rise ÷ Run) × (180 ÷ π)Rise = vertical height in inches
Run = horizontal span in inches
Pitch = rise per 12 inches of run (e.g., 6/12)
Worked Example
Rise = 6 in, Run = 12 in
Did you know? A 6/12 pitch is the most common residential roof slope in North America — steep enough for fast drainage but safe to walk on for inspections.
Sources
Calculate heating and cooling BTU needs by room size, insulation, and windows.
Estimate cubic yards of concrete needed with bag counts and cost estimate.
Calculate deck boards, joists, and fasteners needed with waste factor.
Estimate drywall sheets needed for walls and ceilings with tape and screw counts.
Calculate appliance energy costs by wattage, usage hours, and electricity rate.
Calculate posts, rails, and pickets needed for your fence project.