Quick answer
Roof Pitch to Degrees Calculator and Chart: direct answer
Roof Pitch to Degrees Calculator and Chart helps you convert roof pitch such as 4:12, 6:12, or 12:12 into degrees, slope percentage, multiplier, and a pitch conversion chart. It is best for converting common X:12 pitch values into degrees and returns pitch ratio, roof angle in degrees, slope percentage for material planning.
Use this calculator when you know rise and run, pitch ratio such as 6:12, angle in degrees when converting from angle. The estimate uses this rule: degrees = arctan(pitch / 12).
Inputs
- Rise and run
- Pitch ratio such as 6:12
- Angle in degrees when converting from angle
- Consistent measurement units
Outputs
- Pitch ratio
- Roof angle in degrees
- Slope percentage
- Pitch multiplier
- Rafter length
Formula
How this estimate works
degrees = arctan(pitch / 12)
In plain terms, compare rise to horizontal run, convert that ratio into pitch, degrees, slope percent, and multiplier, then use the result for roof planning.
A 6:12 roof pitch converts to about 26.57 degrees.
Use cases
When to use this calculator
Convert common pitches such as 4:12, 6:12, 8:12, and 12:12 into degrees.
Translate between pitch, angle, and slope percentage when different documents use different terms.
Use angle and slope to compare against material requirements for low-slope or steep-slope roofs.
Worked example
Convert a 6:12 roof pitch to degrees
A pitch-to-degrees conversion is useful when product instructions, plans, and field measurements describe the same slope in different formats.
- Enter 6 for the pitch rise over a 12 inch run.
- Use the degree result when a product or plan lists angle instead of pitch.
- Check slope percentage and multiplier if you are also estimating area.
Planning reference
Roof pitch to degrees chart
Use this chart to compare common roof pitches with approximate degrees. The calculator can convert other pitch or angle values.
Convert pitch to degrees
Pitch describes rise over run, while degrees describe the roof angle. The calculator converts pitch to angle using arctangent.
Common pitch conversions
A 4:12 roof is about 18.43 degrees, 6:12 is about 26.57 degrees, and 12:12 is 45 degrees. These conversions are useful when comparing roofing requirements written in different formats.
Degrees to pitch chart
A pitch chart is useful when a plan, product label, or search result gives the roof slope as degrees instead of rise over 12. Use the chart and calculator together when checking 4/12, 6/12, 8/12, or 12/12 pitch.
How to work out pitch of roof in degrees
Divide the rise by the horizontal run, then take the arctangent of that ratio. For common U.S. roof pitch notation, use rise over 12; a 4:12 slope is arctan(4 / 12), or about 18.43 degrees.
Measurement tips for a better estimate
- A 6:12 pitch is not 45 degrees; 12:12 is the 45 degree reference point.
- Keep rise and run in the same unit when measuring manually.
- Measure pitch on each roof plane if the roof has additions or mixed slopes.
Common estimating mistakes
- Assuming the first number in pitch is an angle.
- Using roof pitch degrees as a material estimate without calculating roof area.
- Converting from a rough visual guess instead of a measured rise and run.
Ordering checks
Check these before using the result
- Use pitch or degrees for slope conversion, then use roof area for material quantity.
- Check each roof plane separately if additions, dormers, or porch roofs have different slopes.
- When a product lists a minimum slope, compare it against the pitch and degree result before estimating materials.
Assumptions used
- Pitch is shown as inches of rise per 12 inches of horizontal run.
- Rafter length uses the same units entered for rise and run.
- Pitch multiplier estimates sloped surface area from flat footprint area.
Before you order materials
- Enter the rise value from the pitch ratio, such as 6 for 6:12.
- Use angle mode when converting degrees back to pitch.
- Check low-slope material requirements separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is 6:12 roof pitch 45 degrees?
No. A 6:12 pitch is about 26.57 degrees. A 12:12 pitch is 45 degrees.
What degree is a 4/12 pitch roof?
A 4/12 roof pitch is about 18.43 degrees. That means the roof rises 4 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run.
What is a 4 12 slope in degrees?
A 4 12 slope, 4/12 pitch, and 4:12 pitch all convert to about 18.43 degrees.
How many degrees is a 4 12 pitch roof?
A 4:12 pitch and a 4 12 pitch mean the same rise-over-run ratio, which is about 18.43 degrees.
How do I convert roof slope to degrees?
Divide rise by run, then use arctangent to get the roof angle in degrees. For X:12 pitch, the ratio is X divided by 12.
Why do roofers use pitch instead of degrees?
Pitch is easy to measure on a framing square and is common in U.S. roofing and construction.
Can I enter an angle instead?
Yes. Choose angle mode to convert degrees back into pitch and slope percentage.