Roof Pitch to Angle Calculator
This roof pitch to angle calculator converts pitch into degrees using the rise and run of the roof. It is useful when you want a fast angle reading for framing, estimating, or comparing different roof slopes.
Enter the pitch as rise over run, such as 6 and 12 for a 6/12 roof. The calculator will show the roof angle in degrees, the slope ratio, the percentage grade, and the pitch format.
What This Roof Pitch to Angle Calculator Does
Roof pitch is commonly written as rise over run. The angle in degrees is simply another way to express that same slope. This tool converts roof pitch into a usable angle so you can understand the steepness of a roof more easily.
For example, a 6/12 roof pitch means the roof rises 6 units vertically for every 12 units horizontally. That pitch equals about 26.57 degrees.
If you also need to calculate the full length of a rafter, see our rafter length formula guide.
Roof Pitch to Angle Formula
To convert roof pitch to degrees, use the inverse tangent of rise divided by run.
This is the standard way to convert roof pitch to angle. A roof pitch to angle calculator simply performs this math for you and presents it clearly.
Worked Example
Example: Convert a 6/12 roof pitch to angle.
Step 1: Divide rise by run: 6 ÷ 12 = 0.5
Step 2: Take the arctangent of 0.5
Step 3: The result is about 26.57 degrees
Step 4: Percentage grade = 0.5 × 100 = 50%
This is why a 6/12 pitch is often described as a moderate roof slope. It is steep enough to shed water well while still being a common residential roof pitch.
Common Roof Pitch to Angle Table
Here are some common roof pitches and their approximate angle in degrees.
| Roof pitch | Angle in degrees | Slope ratio | Percentage grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/12 | 14.04° | 0.25 | 25% |
| 4/12 | 18.43° | 0.3333 | 33.33% |
| 5/12 | 22.62° | 0.4167 | 41.67% |
| 6/12 | 26.57° | 0.5 | 50% |
| 7/12 | 30.26° | 0.5833 | 58.33% |
| 8/12 | 33.69° | 0.6667 | 66.67% |
| 9/12 | 36.87° | 0.75 | 75% |
| 10/12 | 39.81° | 0.8333 | 83.33% |
| 12/12 | 45.00° | 1.0 | 100% |