Roof Pitch Calculator

Visual Roof Pitch Chart
Use our visual roof pitch calculator chart to see how different roof pitches look. Each diagram shows the actual slope angle from flat (0/12) to steep (12/12) pitches with calculator results.
0/12
0°
FlatEasy
0%
Slope %
1.000
Multiplier
Applications:
Flat roofsCommercial buildings
1/12
4.76°
Flat/Low SlopeEasy
8.33%
Slope %
1.003
Multiplier
Applications:
Patio coversCarports
2/12
9.46°
Low SlopeEasy
16.67%
Slope %
1.014
Multiplier
Applications:
Shed roofsPorch roofs
3/12
14.04°
Low SlopeEasy
25%
Slope %
1.031
Multiplier
Applications:
Residential roofsGarages
4/12
18.43°
Conventional SlopeModerate
33.33%
Slope %
1.054
Multiplier
Applications:
Standard residentialMost common pitch
5/12
22.62°
Conventional SlopeModerate
41.67%
Slope %
1.083
Multiplier
Applications:
Residential homesGood water drainage
6/12
26.57°
Conventional SlopeModerate
50%
Slope %
1.118
Multiplier
Applications:
Popular residentialExcellent drainage
7/12
30.26°
Steep SlopeDifficult
58.33%
Slope %
1.158
Multiplier
Applications:
Traditional homesSnowy regions
8/12
33.69°
Steep SlopeDifficult
66.67%
Slope %
1.202
Multiplier
Applications:
Victorian homesHeavy snow areas
9/12
36.87°
Steep SlopeDifficult
75%
Slope %
1.250
Multiplier
Applications:
Gothic architectureMaximum drainage
10/12
39.81°
Very SteepVery Difficult
83.33%
Slope %
1.302
Multiplier
Applications:
A-frame housesAlpine regions
12/12
45°
Very SteepVery Difficult
100%
Slope %
1.414
Multiplier
Applications:
A-frame roofsExtreme snow loads
Understanding the Visual Chart

How to Read the Diagrams

Each diagram shows a roof profile from the side. The steeper the angle, the higher the peak. The pitch ratio (e.g., 6/12) means the roof rises 6 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal distance.

Pitch Categories

  • 0/12 - 2/12: Flat or low slope - requires special roofing materials
  • 3/12 - 4/12: Low conventional slope - minimum for most shingles
  • 5/12 - 9/12: Conventional slope - most common residential pitches
  • 10/12 - 12/12: Steep slope - excellent drainage, more difficult to work on

Choosing the Right Pitch

Consider climate (snow load, rainfall), architectural style, roofing material requirements, and local building codes when selecting a roof pitch. Steeper pitches shed water and snow better but cost more in materials and labor.