Metal Roof Cost Calculator

Estimate the total cost and materials for your new metal roof.

1. Enter Roof Dimensions

Roof Length (ft)

Roof Width (ft)

Roof Pitch (Rise/12)

2. Enter Material & Labor Costs

Material Cost ($ / sq ft)

Labor Cost ($ / sq ft)

Waste Factor (%)

Understanding Roof Pitch

Roof pitch is a measure of a roof's steepness. It's expressed as a ratio of vertical "rise" to horizontal "run", usually over a 12-inch span.

For example, a "4/12 pitch" means the roof rises 4 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal distance. A steeper pitch sheds water and snow more effectively but requires more material.

How the Calculation Works

1. Calculate Actual Roof Area

First, we calculate the base area (footprint) of the roof. Then, we multiply it by a 'pitch multiplier' to account for the roof's slope. A steeper roof has a larger surface area than a flat roof with the same footprint.

Actual Area = (Length × Width) × Pitch Multiplier

2. Add Waste Factor for Materials

We add a waste percentage to the actual area to determine the total amount of material you need to purchase. This covers cuts, overlaps, and potential mistakes.

Total Material Area = Actual Area × (1 + Waste Factor %)

3. Determine Total Costs

Finally, we calculate the total cost by multiplying the required material area by your material cost and the actual roof area by your labor cost.

Total Cost = (Total Material Area × Material Cost) + (Actual Area × Labor Cost)

Popular Metal Roof Profiles

Standing Seam

Features concealed fasteners and vertical interlocking seams for a sleek, modern look. Highly durable and weather-resistant.

Corrugated Panels

Exposed fasteners and a wavy pattern make this an economical and strong choice, often used for agricultural and industrial buildings.

Shingles & Tiles

Designed to mimic traditional roofing materials like asphalt or clay, but with the longevity and strength of steel or aluminum.

Metal Roofing: Pros and Cons

Pros

Longevity: Can last 40-70+ years, 2-3 times longer than asphalt shingles.
Durability: Highly resistant to fire, wind, hail, and rot.
Energy Efficient: Reflects solar heat, reducing cooling costs.
Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep over its long lifespan.

Cons

Higher Initial Cost: More expensive upfront than traditional roofing materials.
Noise: Can be louder during rain or hail if not installed with proper insulation and decking.
Potential for Denting: Lower-quality metals can be susceptible to denting from heavy hail.
Complex Installation: Requires skilled contractors for proper installation, which can impact labor costs.

About This Calculator

How do I find my roof's pitch?

You can use a level and a tape measure. Place a 12-inch level horizontally against the roof, then measure the vertical distance from the end of the level up to the roof surface. That distance in inches is the first number in your pitch (e.g., a 4-inch rise is a 4/12 pitch). If you're unsure, 4/12 and 6/12 are common pitches for residential homes.

What should I enter for the 'Waste Factor'?

The waste factor accounts for material cut-offs and mistakes. For a simple gable roof, 5-10% is usually sufficient. For a more complex roof with multiple hips, valleys, and dormers, 10-15% is a safer estimate.

Does this estimate include other materials like underlayment or screws?

No. This calculator focuses on the primary costs: the metal panels and the labor to install them. The cost of additional materials like underlayment, flashing, screws, and ridge caps should be discussed with your contractor as they are usually included in their overall quote.

How accurate is this estimate?

This tool provides a preliminary budget estimate based on the data you enter. Actual costs can vary based on your geographic location, the type of metal, contractor rates, and the complexity of your roof. Always get detailed quotes from professional installers.

Why is labor calculated on actual area and not with the waste factor?

Contractors typically base their labor quotes on the actual finished surface area of the roof they are installing, not on the raw materials purchased. The waste factor applies to the material you buy, but you only pay labor for what is physically installed.