Asphalt Shingles (Basic)
Architectural Shingles (Premium)
Metal Roofing
Cedar Shakes
Slate or Clay Tile
Yes, Remove & Dispose (+$150/sq)
No, Layer Over / New Build
Simple (Gable roof, no dormers)
Moderate (Hips, valleys, some dormers)
Complex (Many angles, multiple levels, high peaks)
Estimated Project Total: $0.00
Estimated Squares (100 sq.ft ea):0
Material & Labor Cost:$0.00
Removal & Disposal:$0.00
Complexity Adjustment:$0.00
*Includes 10% standard waste factor. Final prices may vary based on local labor rates and specific site conditions.
How to Use the Roofing Cost Calculator
Replacing a roof is one of the most significant investments a homeowner can make. Our roofing cost calculator helps you estimate the total project price by factoring in the specific variables that professional contractors use during their bidding process.
Understanding the Factors
Roof Squares: In the roofing industry, a "square" is a unit of measurement equal to 100 square feet.
Roof Pitch: Steeper roofs require more safety equipment and labor time, which increases the overall cost. A 1.0 factor is for flat roofs, while steep pitches increase surface area and labor.
Material Choice: Asphalt shingles are the most budget-friendly, while metal and slate offer longevity at a higher premium.
Complexity: Chimneys, skylights, valleys, and multiple levels increase the time required for flashing and detail work.
Typical Costs per Square (Installed)
Material
Avg. Cost Per Square
Standard Asphalt
$350 – $550
Metal Panels
$800 – $1,200
Natural Slate
$1,500 – $2,500
Calculation Example
If you have a 2,000 sq. ft. footprint with a standard pitch (1.05 factor) and choose architectural shingles ($650/sq), the calculation would be:
function calculateRoofCost() {
// Get Input Values
var area = parseFloat(document.getElementById("roofArea").value);
var pitchFactor = parseFloat(document.getElementById("roofPitch").value);
var materialPrice = parseFloat(document.getElementById("roofMaterial").value);
var removalPrice = parseFloat(document.getElementById("removalRequired").value);
var complexityFactor = parseFloat(document.getElementById("roofComplexity").value);
// Validate Input
if (isNaN(area) || area <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid roof square footage.");
return;
}
// Step 1: Calculate Actual Surface Area based on Pitch
var actualArea = area * pitchFactor;
// Step 2: Add Waste Factor (10% standard)
var areaWithWaste = actualArea * 1.10;
// Step 3: Convert to "Squares" (100 sq. ft. per square)
var totalSquares = areaWithWaste / 100;
// Step 4: Calculate Base Material and Labor Cost
var baseCostVal = totalSquares * materialPrice;
// Step 5: Calculate Removal Cost
var removalCostVal = totalSquares * removalPrice;
// Step 6: Apply Complexity Multiplier to the entire Labor/Material Base
var totalEstimate = (baseCostVal + removalCostVal) * complexityFactor;
// Calculate difference for complexity display
var complexityMarkup = totalEstimate – (baseCostVal + removalCostVal);
// Format results as currency
var formatter = new Intl.NumberFormat('en-US', {
style: 'currency',
currency: 'USD',
});
// Display Results
document.getElementById("totalSquares").innerHTML = totalSquares.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("baseCost").innerHTML = formatter.format(baseCostVal);
document.getElementById("removalCost").innerHTML = formatter.format(removalCostVal);
document.getElementById("complexityCost").innerHTML = formatter.format(complexityMarkup);
document.getElementById("totalCost").innerHTML = formatter.format(totalEstimate);
// Show result div
document.getElementById("roofResult").style.display = "block";
// Smooth scroll to results
document.getElementById("roofResult").scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth', block: 'nearest' });
}