Metal Roofing Panel Calculator
Enter your building’s eave length, width, overhang and pitch, then the panel coverage width from the manufacturer. You’ll get the exact panel length to order (rounded up to the inch), the number of panels per slope including waste, trim lengths and a material and labor estimate.
Metal Roofing Calculator
Work out how many metal roof panels to order, how long they need to be, how much trim you need and what the materials and labor may cost.
Your results appear here and update as you change the numbers.
How this calculator works
- Pitch factor = √(1 + (rise ÷ 12)²).
- Panel length = (half the building width + eave overhang) × pitch factor for a gable, or (width + overhang) × pitch factor for a shed — rounded up to the next inch.
- Panels per slope = eave length ÷ panel coverage width, rounded up; ordered panels add the waste allowance.
- Trim = eaves + rakes (two per slope) + ridge (gable) or high-side trim (shed).
- Cost = ordered panel area × material price + roof area × labor + trim length × trim price, × regional factor.
Worked example
A 40 ft gable roof, 30 ft wide, 4/12 pitch, 1 ft overhang, 16-in. standing seam, 10% waste: pitch factor 1.054; panel length 16 × 1.054 = 16.87 ft → 203 in.; 480 ÷ 16 = 30 panels per slope, 60 total, 66 with waste. Roof area 1,349 sq ft; trim 188 lf. At $4.50 material, $3 labor and $3 trim: $6,699 + $4,048 + $563 = $11,310 (example prices).
When to get a professional check
Confirm panel coverage width, minimum slope and fastening pattern with the panel manufacturer, and field-measure before ordering — roofs are rarely perfectly square.
Assumptions used — example values, not yet reviewed against current local prices
| Assumption | Value |
|---|---|
| Standing seam panel material | $4.5 /sq ft |
| Exposed-fastener panel material | $2.5 /sq ft |
| Installation labor | $3 /sq ft |
| Trim (eave, rake, ridge) installed | $3 /lf |
Sources and references
Ready for real prices? Learn how to find and vet a local roofer.
How to choose a contractorResults are planning estimates, not quotes. Prices vary by location, contractor and the condition of your roof. Verify sizes and code requirements locally before buying or building.
Frequently asked questions
What is panel coverage width?
The width each panel covers after it overlaps the next one — usually 12–18 in. for standing seam and 36 in. for exposed-fastener panels.
How much waste should I add?
5–10 % on simple gable roofs; more with hips, valleys and dormers.
What’s the minimum pitch for metal?
It depends on the panel; many standing seam panels allow 1/4:12–3:12 with sealed seams, exposed-fastener panels typically 3:12. Check the manufacturer.
Related guides
- Metal roof cost calculator
- Snap lock standing seam metal roof
- Metal roof underlayment
- Metal roof sheathing
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Roof-Installation.com is an independent roofing guide for US homeowners. We publish cost guides, material comparisons and free calculators. We don't install roofs or take contractor commissions.
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