RoofRangeBaseRoof cost per square foot
Floor plans speak sq ft; roofers speak squares. One roofing square = 100 sq ft of roof surface — and pitched roofs cover more area than the footprint below. This page converts installed bands to $/sq ft (divide $/square by 100) and lets you enter sq ft directly in the calculator. Asphalt mid about $500/square ≈ $5.00/sq ft installed before tear-off; add about $1.50/sq ft mid for tear-off on redo paths in the 2026-07 table. Metal mid $10.00/sq ft before tear-off explains why the same house total jumps when you leave asphalt. When a bid quotes $/sq ft of footprint instead of roof surface, ask how they counted — that mismatch is where “cheap” numbers hide.
Runs in your browser No signup Estimate only — not a contractor quote
Tear-off
Remove existing roof before install
$650 / square mid · $7 / sq ft
Low
$9,000
Mid
$13,000
High
$19,000
When to use — and when not to
When to use
You only know footprint or satellite sq ft and need a band tonight. Comparing a $5.50/sq ft bid to national context. Teaching the square conversion before appointments.
When not to
Bid already in $/square → roofing cost per square. You confused floor area with roof area on a steep pitch — measure surface or ask bidders.
Assumptions
Roof surface sq ft, not interior floor unless they match (rare on pitch). Installed bands as of 2026-07. Tear-off additive when enabled.
Worked examples
2,000 sq ft roof surface, asphalt mid + tear-off mid
≈ $6.50/sq ft all-in → ~$13,000 total (20 squares)
Same as 20 × $650/square — two views, one math.
2,000 sq ft, metal mid + tear-off mid
≈ $11.50/sq ft all-in → ~$23,000 total
Metal $/sq ft jumps — material drives spread.
How it calculates
$/sq ft ≈ $/square ÷ 100; total ≈ sq ft × $/sq ft (+ tearoff $/sq ft if on)
Sq ft path — enter roof surface sq ft or convert squares × 100.
- Estimate roof surface sq ft — pitched roofs exceed footprint; ask if unsure.
- Pick material band — asphalt mid ≈ $5/sq ft installed ($500/square ÷ 100).
- Add tear-off ≈ $1.50/sq ft mid ($150/square ÷ 100) when old roof leaves.
- Read calculator totals or multiply sq ft × all-in $/sq ft mentally.
Common traps
- Footprint sq ft understates roof sq ft on pitch — do not use downstairs alone.
- Garage and house roof sq ft may differ — price each if bids split.
- Floor sq ft ≠ roof sq ft is the most common under-budget mistake.
- $/sq ft ads may be materials-only — confirm installed.
Next tool
Square unit view → roofing cost per square.
Total tool → roof cost calculator.
Replacement → roof replacement cost.
FAQ
Divide installed $/square by 100 — asphalt mid $500/square ≈ $5.00/sq ft before tear-off. With mid tear-off $150/square ≈ $1.50/sq ft added, all-in mid ≈ $6.50/sq ft on redo paths.