Metal Roof Cost Calculator
Find out what a metal roof could cost on your home. Enter your roof area, or your house footprint and roof pitch, choose a metal type and this metal roof cost calculator gives you the roof area in squares, a low-to-high installed price and a mid-range estimate, with optional tear-off of the old roof.
Your results will appear here.
How to use the metal roof cost calculator
- Choose how to measure. If you have a roof measurement from an inspection or satellite report, select I know my roof area. Otherwise, use your house footprint and pitch.
- Enter the footprint and pitch. The footprint is the ground-floor area under the roof, including an attached garage. Pitch is the rise in inches for every 12 in of run, such as 6/12.
- Select the metal roof type. Corrugated panels cost the least. Standing seam steel is the most common residential choice. Aluminum, copper and zinc are premium options.
- Set the complexity. Dormers, valleys and steep slopes add labor and flashing.
- Include tear-off if the existing roof has to be removed first.
How roof area is estimated
A sloped roof has more surface than the floor beneath it. The calculator multiplies your footprint by 1.10 to allow for eaves and rake overhangs, then by a pitch factor:
Roof area = Footprint × 1.10 × Pitch factor
Pitch factor = √(144 + rise²) ÷ 12
| Roof pitch | Pitch factor | Roof pitch | Pitch factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/12 | 1.031 | 8/12 | 1.202 |
| 4/12 | 1.054 | 9/12 | 1.250 |
| 5/12 | 1.083 | 10/12 | 1.302 |
| 6/12 | 1.118 | 12/12 | 1.414 |
| 7/12 | 1.158 | — | — |
Example: a 1,500 sq ft footprint with a 6/12 roof gives 1,500 × 1.10 × 1.118 = about 1,845 sq ft of roof, or 18.4 roofing squares (one square is 100 sq ft).
Metal roof cost per square foot (2026)
The calculator uses these installed price ranges, which include materials and labor. They are drawn from 2026 figures published by Resident, Fixr and Interlock Roofing.
| Metal roof type | Installed cost per sq ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated / exposed-fastener steel | $5 – $14 | Lowest cost; screws are visible and need checking over time |
| Standing seam steel | $10 – $18 | Hidden fasteners, clean look, most common for homes |
| Metal shingles or tiles | $9 – $18 | Look like shingles, slate or tile |
| Standing seam aluminum | $14 – $22 | Does not rust; popular near the coast |
| Copper or zinc | $20 – $30 | Premium architectural roofs |
Fixr lists $1,000 to $7,400 for removing an existing roof. The calculator turns that into about $1 to $3 per sq ft so it scales with your roof size. Moderate and complex roofs are priced about 10% and 25% higher in this calculator to reflect extra cutting, flashing and safety work; these adjustments are HomeQuantly planning estimates.
Is a metal roof worth the extra cost?
Metal usually costs more upfront than asphalt shingles. In return, a well-installed metal roof can last decades longer, resists wind and fire, and reflects more summer heat. Whether it pays off depends on how long you plan to stay in the home and your local climate.
Before you sign a contract
- Ask whether the price includes underlayment, trim, ridge caps, snow guards and new flashing.
- Confirm the metal gauge and the paint system warranty.
- Check whether your roof deck needs repairs, which are usually priced separately.
- Ask if a permit is required and who pulls it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a metal roof cost for a 2,000 sq ft house?
It depends on the roof area, not the floor area. A 2,000 sq ft single-story home with a 6/12 roof has roughly 2,460 sq ft of roof. With standing seam steel and tear-off, this calculator estimates about $27,000 to $52,000. A two-story home of the same size has a smaller roof and costs less.
What is a roofing square?
A roofing square is 100 sq ft of roof surface. Roofers often quote prices per square, so a price of $1,200 per square equals $12 per sq ft.
Is standing seam better than corrugated metal?
Standing seam hides its fasteners, so there are fewer holes through the panels and less maintenance. Corrugated or exposed-fastener panels cost much less but need the screws checked and replaced over the years. Most homeowners choose standing seam for houses and exposed-fastener panels for barns and sheds.
Can metal roofing go over shingles?
Some building codes and manufacturers allow metal over one layer of asphalt shingles, which saves tear-off cost. Others require removal. Ask your contractor and local building department before deciding.
How long does a metal roof last?
Lifespan depends on the metal, the coating and the installation. Steel roofs commonly last several decades, and copper and zinc can last much longer. Check the manufacturer warranty for the exact product you choose.
Sources and methodology
Planning estimate only. Prices are 2026 national averages compiled by the HomeQuantly Team from the published sources below and last reviewed on November 9, 2026. Your local prices may be higher or lower. Always get written quotes from licensed local contractors.