# Metal Roof Cost Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/construction/metal-roof-cost/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> The metal roof cost calculator estimates panels, squares, screws and trim for a gable or shed metal roof and adds up the material, trim and labour cost from your unit prices.

## Inputs

- Eave length (ft, m, in, yd, cm)
- Rafter (slope) length (ft, m, in, yd, cm)
- Roof sides
- Panel coverage width
- Waste (%)
- Panel price (/ft², /m², /yd²)
- Labour price (/ft², /m², /yd²)
- Trim price (/ft, /m, /yd)

## Results

- Roof area
- Squares
- Panels
- Panel length
- Trim length
- Screws (≈ 80 per square)
- Panel cost
- Labour cost
- Trim cost
- Total cost

## Formula

```
Roof area = eave length × rafter length × sides
Panels per side = ceil(eave length ÷ panel coverage width)
Trim = ridge + eaves + rakes; screws ≈ 80 per square
```

## Explanation

Metal roofing comes in exposed-fastener panels (corrugated or ribbed, 24–36 in coverage) and standing-seam panels (12–18 in). Panels usually run in one piece from eave to ridge, so the count depends on the length of the eave and the coverage width. Trim pieces – ridge cap, eave drip, rake/gable trim – add a significant amount.

### How to use the Metal Roof Cost Calculator

- **Eave length**
- **Rafter (slope) length**
- **Roof sides**
- **Panel coverage width**
- **Waste**
- **Panel price**
- **Labour price**
- **Trim price**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Enter the eave length, the rafter (slope) length, the number of roof sides, panel coverage width, waste and prices for panels, labour and trim.

### Tips for an accurate estimate

- Measure the footprint from the ground and apply the pitch multiplier rather than climbing on the roof.
- Add 10% waste for simple gable roofs and 15–20% for hips, valleys and dormers.
- Confirm design snow and wind loads with your local building department before changing framing or roofing.
- Always work with fall protection; roofing is one of the most dangerous trades.

### Common mistakes to avoid

- Using the footprint area instead of the sloped roof area when ordering materials.
- Forgetting starter strips, ridge caps, drip edge and underlayment.
- Mixing up pitch (rise per 12 in of run) with the roof angle in degrees.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterEave lengthUnits: ft, m, in, yd, cmRafter (slope) lengthUnits: ft, m, in, yd, cmRoof sidesChoose one: Gable (2 sides), Shed (1 side)Panel coverage widthChoose one: 36 in (ribbed / corrugated), 24 in, 16 in standing seam, 12 in standing seam …WasteIn %Panel priceUnits: /ft², /m², /yd²Labour priceUnits: /ft², /m², /yd²Trim priceUnits: /ft, /m, /yd

### What each result means

- **Roof area** = [Eave length]×[Rafter (slope) length]×[Roof sides]
- **Squares** = [Roof area]×(1 + [Waste]÷100)÷9.290304
- **Panels** = ceil([Eave length]÷[Panel coverage width] - 0.000001)×[Roof sides]
- **Screws (≈ 80 per square)** = ceil([Squares]×80)
- **Panel cost** = [Roof area]×(1 + [Waste]÷100)×[Panel price]
- **Labour cost** = [Roof area]×[Labour price]
- **Trim cost** = [Trim length]×[Trim price]
- **Total cost** = [Panel cost] + [Labour cost] + [Trim cost]

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Eave length** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Eave length (ft)Panels201430204028503460408054

## Worked example

Inputs — Eave length: 40 ft; Rafter (slope) length: 14 ft; Roof sides: Gable (2 sides); Panel coverage width: 36 in (ribbed / corrugated); Waste: 10 %; Panel price: $4 /ft²; Labour price: $3.5 /ft²; Trim price: $3 /ft.

Results — Roof area = 1,120 ft²; Squares = 12.32; **Panels = 28**; Panel length = 14 ft; Trim length = 176 ft; Screws (≈ 80 per square) = 986; Panel cost = $4,928.00; Labour cost = $3,920.00; Trim cost = $528.00; Total cost = $9,376.00.

## FAQ

**How much does a metal roof cost?**
Roughly $8–$16 per ft² installed for exposed-fastener panels and $12–$20+ for standing seam in the U.S.; enter local prices for an estimate.

**How many screws per metal roof panel?**
About 80 per square (100 ft²) for exposed-fastener panels at 24 in purlin spacing.

**Can metal roofing go over shingles?**
Often yes, over one layer, with purlins or underlayment – check local code and the panel maker.

**What formula does the Metal Roof Cost Calculator use?**
Roof area = eave length × rafter length × sides.


## Sources

- [Metal Construction Association](https://metalconstruction.org/)