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Roof Pitch Calculator

Converts between pitch notation (6/12), degrees, percentage slope, and rise-run ratios. Quick reference for any roof pitch format.

Conversions

Pitch
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Degrees
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Slope %
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Rise:Run
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Pitch Factor
--
area multiplier
Steepness
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Common Pitch Reference

Pitch Degrees Slope % Factor Class
2/129.5°16.7%1.0138Nearly flat
3/1214.0°25.0%1.0308Low slope
4/1218.4°33.3%1.0541Standard low
5/1222.6°41.7%1.0833Moderate
6/1226.6°50.0%1.1180Standard
7/1230.3°58.3%1.1577Moderate steep
8/1233.7°66.7%1.2019Steep
10/1239.8°83.3%1.3017Very steep
12/1245.0°100.0%1.414245 degrees
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How to Use This Calculator

1. Choose your input format. If you know the pitch (like 6/12), enter the rise. If you measured the angle with a tool, enter degrees. If you have a percentage from a survey, enter the slope percentage.

2. Enter the value. The calculator instantly converts to all other formats. It also shows the pitch correction factor used for area calculations and a steepness classification.

3. Use the reference table. The quick reference shows all common pitches with their conversions for easy comparison.

How Pitch Conversion Works

Roof pitch, degrees, and slope percentage are three ways to describe the same angle. The calculator uses standard trigonometry to convert between them.

Degrees = arctan(Rise / 12) x (180 / pi)

Slope_Pct = (Rise / 12) x 100

Pitch_Factor = sqrt((Rise^2 + 144) / 144)

Rise (from degrees) = 12 x tan(Degrees x pi / 180)

Rise (from %) = Percentage x 12 / 100

The pitch factor is particularly useful because it converts flat footprint area to actual sloped roof area. A 6/12 pitch has a factor of 1.118 — meaning the sloped area is about 11.8% larger than the footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert roof pitch to degrees?
Use the formula: Degrees = arctan(Rise / 12) x (180 / pi). For a 6/12 pitch: arctan(6/12) = arctan(0.5) = 26.57 degrees. Common conversions: 4/12 = 18.4 degrees, 6/12 = 26.6 degrees, 8/12 = 33.7 degrees, 12/12 = 45 degrees.
What does 6/12 roof pitch mean?
A 6/12 pitch means the roof rises 6 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run. This is one of the most common residential pitches. It translates to a 26.57-degree angle and a 50% slope. It provides good water runoff while still being walkable for most roofers.
What is a walkable roof pitch?
Most roofers consider pitches up to 6/12 (26.6 degrees) walkable without special equipment. Pitches from 7/12 to 9/12 require roof brackets and are considered moderately steep. Pitches 10/12 and above (40+ degrees) typically require scaffolding or specialized steep-roof gear.

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