Professional Roofing Cost Estimator
Calculate the estimated cost for a new roof based on square footage, materials, and pitch.
Asphalt Shingles (Basic)
Architectural Shingles
Metal Roofing (Standing Seam)
Clay/Concrete Tile
Natural Slate
Flat to Low (0:12 – 3:12)
Standard (4:12 – 8:12)
Steep (9:12 – 12:12)
Extra Steep (> 12:12)
Simple (Rectangle/Gable)
Moderate (Hips/Valleys)
Complex (Vents/Skylights/Turrets)
Estimated Roofing Squares:
0
Material & Labor Base:
$0
Removal/Disposal Fees:
$0
Total Estimated Project Cost:
$0
*This is an estimate. Local labor rates and actual site conditions may vary costs by 15-20%.
How to Estimate Your Roofing Costs
Replacing a roof is one of the most significant investments a homeowner will make. To get a realistic estimate, you must understand how roofing contractors calculate their bids. The primary unit of measurement in roofing is the "square." One roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof surface area.
Key Factors Influencing Roof Replacement Price
- Roof Area: Not to be confused with your home's square footage, the roof area includes the pitch and overhangs. A 2,000 sq. ft. home often has a roof area of 2,400 to 3,000 sq. ft.
- Pitch (Slope): Steeper roofs require more safety equipment, more staging time, and specialized harnesses, which increases labor costs significantly.
- Material Choice: Asphalt shingles are the most common and budget-friendly. Premium materials like metal or slate provide longevity (50+ years) but come at a much higher initial investment.
- Complexity: Every valley, dormer, chimney, and skylight adds to the labor hours and the amount of flashing material required to ensure a watertight seal.
Example Calculation
For a standard 2,500 sq. ft. roof (25 squares) using architectural shingles ($650/square) with moderate complexity (1.2 multiplier) and a standard pitch (1.15 multiplier):
Step 1: Base Calculation: 25 squares × $650 = $16,250.
Step 2: Add Pitch/Complexity adjustments: $16,250 × 1.15 × 1.2 = $22,425.
Step 3: Add Tear-off ($150 × 25) = $3,750.
Total Estimate: $26,175.