How to Find the Roof Pitch Using a Framing Square

The roof pitch is a measurement of how steep the roof is. Finding the roof pitch is necessary during roofing projects for cutting rafters and ordering material for the roof. If you have the plans for your home, you have it easy; usually the pitch is included in the home plans. If you do not have your home plans, you may be able to order it from your local building records department. If all else fails, you can climb up on to the roof and make the measurement yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• 48-inch level
• Framing square

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Climb up to the roof.

   • 2

     Hold the framing square with one end touching the roof and the other end facing up into the air.

   • 3

     Hold a 48-inch level against the framing square so that both the level and the framing square are plumb.

   • 4

     Measure the distance between the end of the framing square floating above the roof and the roof beneath it. Divide this number by two. This is your roof pitch.