Hip Roof Calculator
Free online hip roof calculator. Calculate roof area in square feet, estimate shingles and materials, and find rafter lengths. Works for both regular and pyramid hip roofs.
Hip Roof Area Formula: Calculate each face separately, then add them together
Regular hip = 2 trapezoids + 2 triangles | Pyramid hip = 4 triangles
📐 Building Dimensions
Typical overhang: 12-24 inches
6/12 pitch = roof rises 6" for every 12" of horizontal run (26.6° angle)
📊 Roof Calculations
Total Roof Area
1,503 sq ft
15.0 roofing squares
📏 Key Measurements
🏠 Understanding Hip Roofs
A hip roof (or hipped roof) is a type of roof where all sides slope downward toward the walls. Unlike a gable roof with two sloping sides, a hip roof has four sloping sides, making it more stable and resistant to high winds.
Types of Hip Roofs
Regular Hip Roof: Built on a rectangular building, it has two trapezoidal faces and two triangular faces. The ridge runs along the longer dimension.
Pyramid Hip Roof: Built on a square building, all four faces are triangular and meet at a single peak (no ridge line). Also called a "pavilion roof."
📐 Hip Roof Geometry
Ridge: Horizontal line where two sloping faces meet
Hip Rafter: Diagonal line from corner to ridge
Common Rafter: Perpendicular from eave to ridge
Eave: The lower edge of the roof that overhangs the wall
Advantages of Hip Roofs
Hip roofs offer several benefits: better wind resistance (no flat gable ends to catch wind), more consistent eave overhangs for shade and rain protection, and often improved aesthetics. The main drawbacks are higher construction costs and more complex framing.
Choosing the Right Pitch
Roof pitch affects drainage, materials, and appearance. Low pitches (3/12-4/12) are economical and modern-looking but require careful waterproofing. Medium pitches (5/12-7/12) are the most common for residential homes. Steep pitches (8/12+) are traditional, handle snow well, but cost more due to additional materials and safety requirements.
📋 Quick Reference
• 1 square = 100 sq ft
• 3 bundles = 1 square
• 4×8 sheet = 32 sq ft
• Min shingle pitch: 2/12
• Common pitch: 4/12-6/12
• Hip waste: +10-15%
⚠️ Safety Note
Roofing work is dangerous. Always use proper fall protection when working on roofs. Consider hiring a licensed contractor for steep or complex roofs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hip roof area is calculated by finding the surface area of all four sloping sides. For a regular hip roof, this includes two trapezoidal faces and two triangular faces. The formula accounts for both the horizontal dimensions and the roof pitch. Our calculator uses the pitch multiplier (based on the slope) applied to the footprint area, plus adjustments for the hip geometry.
Common hip roof angles range from 18.4° (4/12 pitch) to 45° (12/12 pitch). The ideal angle depends on your climate and aesthetic preferences. In areas with heavy snow, steeper pitches (8/12 to 12/12) help snow slide off. In hurricane-prone regions, moderate pitches (4/12 to 6/12) perform better against wind. Most residential hip roofs use 4/12 to 6/12 pitch.
A 4/12 pitch means the roof rises 4 inches vertically for every 12 inches of horizontal run. This equals an angle of about 18.4 degrees. It's considered a low-slope roof that still provides adequate water drainage. A 4/12 pitch is popular because it balances aesthetics, material costs, and ease of walking on the roof for maintenance.
The minimum recommended slope for a hip roof with asphalt shingles is 2/12 (about 9.5°), though 4/12 is preferred for better water shedding. Metal roofing can go as low as 1/12 with proper installation. Building codes in your area may specify minimum requirements. Low-slope hip roofs require enhanced underlayment and more careful installation.
Typically, 3 bundles of standard asphalt shingles cover 100 square feet (1 'square'). For a hip roof, add 10-15% for waste due to the extra cuts required at hips and valleys. For example, a 2,000 sq ft hip roof needs about 20 squares × 3 bundles = 60 bundles, plus 6-9 extra bundles for waste, totaling 66-69 bundles.
A hip roof has all four sides sloping down to the walls with no vertical ends, while a gable roof has two sloping sides that meet at a ridge, with vertical triangular ends (gables). Hip roofs are more stable in high winds and offer better protection, but require more materials and complex framing. Gable roofs are simpler and cheaper to build but more vulnerable to wind damage.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only. Actual material requirements may vary based on roof complexity, waste, and installation methods. Always consult with a roofing professional for accurate measurements and quotes. Local building codes may have specific requirements for your area.