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Roofing

Metal Roofing Calculator

Metal roofing is ordered by the panel, and panels are counted across the eave and cut to the full eave-to-ridge length. Enter your eave length, slope length, and how many roof planes you have to get the panel count, the length to order them, the screws required, and a material cost.

Reviewed by The CostToUpgrade Estimating Desk Last reviewed How we estimate

Your project

Dimensions

Measure horizontally along the gutter edge of one roof plane.

Eave to ridge measured along the slope — use the Roof Pitch Calculator if you only know the footprint.

A simple gable roof has 2 planes of the same size; shed roofs have 1.

Material

Coverage width is what the panel covers after the sidelap — always less than its overall width.

Pricing

Bare exposed-fastener panels run about $2–$4 per ft²; installed metal roofs commonly run $4–$7, and standing seam more.

Estimate

28panels

Panels to order · All roof planes combined

Order each panel at
18.25ft
Roof area covered
1,440ft²
Gasketed screws
1,152screws
Estimated panel cost
$6,898.50

Estimates are guidance only and exclude tax, labor, and site conditions unless stated. Confirm with a local pro.

How it's calculated

No black boxes — here is the exact math behind your estimate, so you can check it or adapt it for your own quote.

  1. 1Panels = roof planes × ⌈ (eave length × 12) ÷ panel coverage width (in) ⌉
  2. 2Roof area (ft²) = eave length × slope length × roof planes
  3. 3Panel order length = slope length + 0.25 ft (3 in eave overhang)
  4. 4Screws = ⌈ (roof area ÷ 100) × 80 ⌉
  5. 5Cost = panels × panel order length × coverage width (ft) × price per ft²

Worked example

A 40 ft wide gable roof with two 18 ft slopes, clad in 36 in coverage exposed-fastener panels.

Inputs

Eave length (per plane)
40 ft
Slope length (eave to ridge)
18 ft
Roof planes
2
Panel coverage width
36
Panel price
4.5 $/ft²

Result

Panels to order
28 panels
Order each panel at
18.25 ft
Roof area covered
1,440 ft²
Gasketed screws
1,152 screws
Estimated panel cost
$6,898.50

Tools & materials for this project

As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

  • Gasketed metal roofing screws Neoprene-washer screws for exposed-fastener panels.
    View on Amazon
  • Foam closure strips Seal the ribs at the eave and ridge against wind and pests.
    View on Amazon
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Metal Roofing cost by state

The calculator does the quantity math exactly. What it can't know is what a fair unit price looks like where you live — a metal roof runs 61% more in the priciest US market than the cheapest.

Metal Roofing cost in all 50 states + DC US average $4.50 per square foot of panel · regional averages, full ranked table, and typical project totals.

Frequently asked questions

How many metal roofing panels do I need?
Divide the eave length of each roof plane by the panel coverage width and round up, then multiply by the number of planes. A 40 ft eave is 480 inches, so 36 in coverage panels need ⌈480 ÷ 36⌉ = 14 panels per side, or 28 panels for a two-sided gable roof. Because panels are ordered to the full eave-to-ridge length, there is no waste factor to add across the slope — only the partial panel at the end of each run.
What is the difference between exposed fastener and standing seam?
Exposed-fastener panels (R-panel, ag panel, 5V) are screwed through the face with gasketed screws, usually in 36 in coverage widths. They are the cheapest metal roof and commonly run about $4–$7 per square foot installed, but the neoprene washers need inspection and replacement at roughly 15–20 years. Standing seam hides its fasteners in concealed clips, comes in 16 or 24 in coverage, typically costs $10–$16 per square foot installed, and lasts 40 years or more with no screws to back out.
Is panel coverage width the same as panel width?
No, and mixing them up is the most common ordering mistake. A "36 inch" exposed-fastener panel is normally 38–39 inches wide overall; the extra few inches are the rib that laps under the next panel. Always divide by the coverage width, in inches: a 40 ft eave is 480 inches, so 480 ÷ 36 = 14 panels of exposed fastener, or 480 ÷ 16 = 30 panels of 16 in standing seam. Manufacturer spec sheets list both numbers, so check before you order.
Why are metal panels ordered to an exact length?
Panels are roll-formed to order, often in a single piece up to 40 feet or more, so you specify the eave-to-ridge slope length plus about 1–3 inches of overhang past the drip edge or into the gutter. A one-piece panel has no end lap, which is the most common leak point on a metal roof; many manufacturers require single-length panels or specific lap sealant below a 3:12 pitch. Measure the slope, not the building footprint, and confirm before the order is cut.
Does this include ridge cap, trim, and closures?
No — the panel count and cost cover field panels only. You still need eave and rake trim, ridge cap, valley and sidewall flashing, foam closure strips, butyl tape, and pipe boots, plus underlayment. Trim and accessories commonly add 10–20% on top of the panel budget, and more on a roof with lots of hips, valleys, or penetrations. Price those separately from your supplier once the panel takeoff is set.

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