Accurately measuring your roof is one of the first and most important steps in planning a roofing project. Whether you're budgeting for materials, preparing for a repair, or simply checking for wear and tear, getting the measurements right can save time, money, and unnecessary headaches.
In the past, measuring a roof meant climbing ladders and crawling across shingles—a process that can be dangerous and intimidating. Fortunately, today’s technology offers safer, easier, and more accurate alternatives.
In this guide, we’ll cover three practical methods to measure your roof from the ground: using a tape measure and pitch calculator, satellite imagery like Google Earth, and professional roof measurement reports from RoofScope.
Method 1: Use a Tape Measure and Roof Pitch Calculator
Step 1: Measure the Perimeter
- Use a tape measure to get the length and width of your home’s footprint.
- Measure each section separately if your home has multiple extensions.
- Write down all dimensions carefully.
Step 2: Measure the Roof Pitch
- Place a level horizontally against the roof’s overhang (soffit).
- From the 12" mark on the level, measure the vertical distance to the roof surface.
- This measurement gives you the pitch (e.g., 6/12 means 6" of rise per 12" run).
- Prefer digital tools? Try the digital pitch gauge.
Step 3: Calculate Roof Area
Base Area = Length × Width Total Roof Area = Base Area × Pitch Multiplier
Pitch Multipliers:
- 4/12 pitch → 1.054
- 6/12 pitch → 1.118
- 8/12 pitch → 1.202
- 12/12 pitch → 1.414
To better understand how roofing professionals refer to surface area, check out this guide on what a roofing square is and why it's a standard unit in the industry.
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Method 2: Use Google Earth or Satellite Imagery
Step 1: Open a Satellite Map
- Go to Google Earth or Bing Maps.
- Enter your address and zoom in to view your roof clearly.
Step 2: Trace and Measure
- Use the built-in ruler or polygon tools to measure roof dimensions.
- Record total square footage. This estimate may not be precise for complex roofs.
Learn more about using Google Earth for roof measurement.
Method 3: Order a Professional Roof Measurement Report
Step 1: Choose a Service
Services like RoofScope provide highly accurate rooftop measurement reports powered by aerial imagery and CAD verification.
Step 2: Submit Your Address
No need for blueprints or physical measurements—just input your address and let the software do the work.
Step 3: Get Your Report
- Detailed dimensions of each roof plane
- Total square footage calculations
- Pitch and waste factor estimations
- Downloadable interactive PDFs and ProDocs for contractors
Want to see what it looks like? View sample roof measurement reports.
Final Thoughts: Which Roof Measurement Method is Right for You?
Measuring a roof from the ground is safe and effective. If you're a homeowner seeking a ballpark figure, a tape measure and pitch calculator will get you started. Google Earth can offer a visual reference for more complex layouts. But if precision matters—for estimates, permits, or ordering materials—roofing measurement software like RoofScope provides the most accurate and hassle-free solution.
Ready to streamline your project? Order your roof measurement report today and eliminate the guesswork.
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written by RoofScope published on 07. 09. 2024