Metal Roofing Calculator
Calculate metal roofing panels, ridge cap, and underlayment needed for your project.
Formula & Explanation
Metal roofing is calculated differently than shingles because panels cover larger areas: Panels Needed = ceil(Roof Area × (1 + Waste%) ÷ 40) Where 40 sq ft is the typical coverage per metal panel (accounting for overlap). This is an average; actual coverage varies by panel profile and installation method. Lineal Feet = Panels × Panel Height (typically 3 feet) Ridge Cap Pieces ≈ sqrt(Roof Area) × 1.5 Underlayment Squares = ceil(Roof Area × (1 + Waste%) ÷ 100) Example: 1000 sq ft roof with 10% waste - Area with waste = 1000 × 1.10 = 1100 sq ft - Panels = ceil(1100 ÷ 40) = 28 panels - Lineal feet = 28 × 3 = 84 feet - Ridge cap pieces ≈ 15
Assumptions
- •Metal panels average 40 sq ft coverage (varies by profile and overlap)
- •Panel dimensions assumed 36" wide × 36" tall (adjust panel width for 24" or custom)
- •Ridge cap coverage estimated at one piece per linear foot of ridge line
- •Underlayment required under metal roofing (typically 1 square per 100 sq ft)
- •Does not account for valleys, hips, flashing, or custom trim pieces
- •Metal roofing typically requires 10-15% waste for cutting and sealing
Example Calculation
A 1000 sq ft metal roof with 10% waste requires 28 panels, 84 lineal feet, and 15 ridge cap pieces.
Inputs
Results
Metal Panel Coverage by Profile
| profile | coverage |
|---|---|
| Standing seam 24" | 32-36 sq ft |
| Standing seam 36" | 40-45 sq ft |
| R-panel | 35-38 sq ft |
| V-crimp | 30-35 sq ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
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