How to Calculate Gambrel Roof Pitches

A gambrel roof commonly has two slopes on each side of the peak of the roof. The roof segment closer to the eaves of the home is steeper than the segment closer to the peak. This roof configuration produces an attic space with a larger area and with higher headroom. The roof type is commonly associated with barns, where it provides more room for hay storage above the main level of the barn. Each segment of the roof will have its own pitch.

2-foot carpenter's level
Tape measure
Ladder

Instructions

- 1
  Place a 2-foot carpenter’s level with one end touching the lower segment of the roof. Raise the other end of the level until the bubble of the level shows the tool is horizontally level.
- 2
  Measure the distance between the end of the level and the surface of the roof directly below. Divide the number of inches by two to determine the amount of roof pitch per foot. For example, if the distance between the level and the roof is 20 inches, the pitch of that segment of the roof is 10 inches per foot.
- 3
  Repeat the measuring process on the top segment of the roof. This segment commonly has a flatter roof, and a lower pitch, than the lower segment.

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