Metal Roofing Calculator
Calculate metal roofing panels, trim, and fasteners needed for your project. Includes standing seam, corrugated, and ribbed panel options with cost estimates.
Roof Dimensions
Metal Roof Coverage
Ribbed/R-Panel Panels
100 panels
| Type | $/sq ft | Lifespan | Fasteners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standing Seam | $12 | 50-70 years | Hidden |
| Corrugated | $5.5 | 40-60 years | Exposed |
| Ribbed/R-Panel | $4.5 | 40-50 years | Exposed |
| Metal Shingles | $10 | 50+ years | Exposed |
- Order panels cut to length to eliminate end laps when possible
- Use metal roofing screws with neoprene washers - regular screws will leak
- Walk on flat areas near supports only - avoid stepping on ribs
- Install on calm days - metal panels catch wind easily
- Touch up scratches immediately to prevent rust on exposed steel
Related Calculators
About This Calculator
The Metal Roofing Calculator determines exactly how many panels, trim pieces, fasteners, and accessories you need for your metal roofing project—with accurate estimates for standing seam, corrugated, exposed fastener, and metal shingle systems. Whether you're installing a new roof, converting from asphalt shingles, or estimating a commercial project, this calculator accounts for panel coverage widths, overlaps, roof pitch, and waste factors to give you a complete materials list with 2026 pricing.
Metal roofing has become the premium choice for homeowners seeking longevity, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. With lifespans of 40-70+ years (compared to 20-30 years for asphalt shingles), metal roofs often prove more economical over time despite higher upfront costs. They reflect solar heat, reduce cooling costs by 10-25%, and many qualify for insurance discounts of 10-35% due to superior hail, wind, and fire resistance.
Enter your roof dimensions, select your panel type and profile, and get instant results including panel quantities, trim pieces, fastener counts, underlayment requirements, and total cost estimates you can use for DIY planning or contractor comparison.
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How to Use the Metal Roofing Calculator
- 1Enter your roof dimensions (length and width) or total square footage of the building footprint.
- 2Select your roof pitch—this affects total surface area and panel layout.
- 3Choose your metal panel type: standing seam, corrugated, ribbed/R-panel, or metal shingles.
- 4Select panel length based on your roof rafter length (full-length panels eliminate end laps).
- 5Specify your gauge preference (26-gauge standard, 24-gauge premium, 22-gauge commercial).
- 6View your results including panels, trim, fasteners, and underlayment quantities.
- 7Adjust pricing to match your local supplier quotes for accurate cost estimates.
- 8Print or save your complete materials list for ordering or contractor comparison.
Metal Roofing Panel Types Explained
Standing Seam (Concealed Fastener)
The premium choice for residential and commercial metal roofing:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Panel width | 12-18" coverage (16" most common) |
| Seam height | 1-2" raised ribs |
| Fasteners | Hidden clips (concealed from weather) |
| Materials | Galvalume, aluminum, zinc, copper |
| Lifespan | 50-70+ years |
| Cost installed | $10-18 per sq ft |
| Best for | Homes, commercial, low-slope roofs |
Advantages: No exposed fasteners to leak, sleek modern appearance, can accommodate thermal expansion, highest longevity.
Corrugated Metal
The classic wave-pattern roofing with proven durability:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Panel width | 26-36" coverage |
| Profile | Rounded wave pattern (2.67" spacing typical) |
| Fasteners | Exposed with neoprene washers |
| Materials | Galvanized steel, Galvalume, aluminum |
| Lifespan | 40-60 years |
| Cost installed | $5-10 per sq ft |
| Best for | Barns, sheds, agricultural, rustic/farmhouse |
Ribbed/R-Panel (Exposed Fastener)
The most economical metal roofing option:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Panel width | 36" coverage (most common) |
| Profile | Trapezoidal ribs (major/minor pattern) |
| Fasteners | Exposed screws with washers |
| Materials | Galvanized steel, Galvalume |
| Lifespan | 40-50 years |
| Cost installed | $4-8 per sq ft |
| Best for | Commercial, industrial, budget projects |
Metal Shingles/Tiles
Traditional aesthetics with metal durability:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Varies by style (slate, shake, tile look) |
| Fasteners | Concealed interlocking |
| Materials | Aluminum, steel with stone coating |
| Lifespan | 50-70 years |
| Cost installed | $10-20 per sq ft |
| Best for | HOA compliance, historic look |
Panel Coverage and Overlap Calculations
Understanding Coverage Width vs. Total Width
Metal panels have two critical measurements:
| Measurement | Description |
|---|---|
| Total width | Actual panel dimension before installation |
| Coverage width | Usable width after side overlap |
| Overlap | Width lost to adjacent panel connection |
Panel Coverage by Type
| Panel Type | Total Width | Coverage Width | Side Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standing Seam (16") | 18" | 16" | Seam lock |
| Standing Seam (12") | 14" | 12" | Seam lock |
| Corrugated 2.67" | 39" | 34-36" | 1-2 ribs |
| R-Panel/PBR | 40" | 36" | 1 rib (4") |
| 5V Crimp | 26" | 24" | 1 rib |
Calculating Panel Quantity
Formula for panels needed:
Panels = (Roof Width ÷ Coverage Width) × (Roof Length ÷ Panel Length)
Example: 40' × 30' roof with 36" coverage panels, 12' length:
- Width: 40' ÷ 3' = 13.33 → 14 panels per row
- Length: 30' ÷ 12' = 2.5 → 3 rows
- Total: 14 × 3 = 42 panels minimum
- With 10% waste: 46 panels
End Lap Requirements
If panels don't span the full length:
| Situation | End Lap Required | Sealant |
|---|---|---|
| Low slope (1-3/12) | 12" minimum | Required |
| Medium slope (4-6/12) | 6" minimum | Recommended |
| Steep slope (7+/12) | 4" minimum | Optional |
Trim and Accessories Guide
Essential Trim Pieces
| Trim Type | Location | How to Calculate |
|---|---|---|
| Ridge cap | Roof peak | Total ridge length |
| Eave trim/drip edge | Bottom of roof | Eave perimeter |
| Gable/rake trim | Roof sides | Gable edge length × 2 |
| Valley | Roof plane intersections | Valley length + 10% |
| Sidewall flashing | Roof-to-wall junction | Linear feet of wall |
| Endwall flashing | Roof termination at wall | Width of wall |
| Inside/outside closure | Panel ends | Perimeter of eaves/ridge |
| Pipe boots | Plumbing/vent penetrations | Count of pipes |
Standard Trim Dimensions
| Trim Type | Standard Length | Overlap Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Ridge cap | 10-12 feet | 6" |
| Eave trim | 10-12 feet | 2" |
| Gable trim | 10-12 feet | 2" |
| Valley | 10-12 feet | 6" |
| Flashing | 10-12 feet | 4" |
Fastener Requirements
| Panel Type | Per Panel | Per 100 sq ft | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standing seam | 4-6 clips | 75-100 clips | Concealed clips |
| Corrugated | 60-80 screws | 150-200 | #10 or #12 w/washer |
| Ribbed/R-Panel | 60-80 screws | 150-200 | #10 or #12 w/washer |
Underlayment Options
| Type | Coverage | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synthetic felt | 1000 sq ft/roll | $80-150 | Standard installations |
| High-temp synthetic | 1000 sq ft/roll | $120-200 | Metal roofing (prevents sticking) |
| Peel-and-stick | 75-200 sq ft/roll | $100-200 | Low slopes, ice dam areas |
2026 Metal Roofing Pricing Guide
Current material and installation costs for metal roofing:
Panel Costs by Type (Materials Only):
| Panel Type | $/Linear Ft | $/Sq Ft | $/Square |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrugated 26-ga | $2.50-4.00 | $0.85-1.35 | $85-135 |
| R-Panel 26-ga | $3.00-4.50 | $1.00-1.50 | $100-150 |
| R-Panel 24-ga | $4.00-6.00 | $1.35-2.00 | $135-200 |
| Standing seam 26-ga | $4.50-7.00 | $3.50-5.50 | $350-550 |
| Standing seam 24-ga | $6.00-9.00 | $4.50-7.00 | $450-700 |
| Metal shingles | N/A | $4.00-8.00 | $400-800 |
Trim and Accessories Costs:
| Item | Unit | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ridge cap | 10' piece | $25-50 |
| Eave/drip edge | 10' piece | $15-30 |
| Gable trim | 10' piece | $20-40 |
| Valley | 10' piece | $30-60 |
| Sidewall flashing | 10' piece | $20-45 |
| Closure strips | 3' section | $3-8 |
| Metal screws | 250 count | $20-35 |
| Standing seam clips | 100 count | $80-150 |
| Butyl tape | 50' roll | $8-15 |
| Pipe boots | each | $15-40 |
Installed Cost Comparison:
| System | Materials/Sq Ft | Labor/Sq Ft | Total/Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrugated | $1.00-1.50 | $2.50-4.00 | $3.50-5.50 |
| Ribbed/R-Panel | $1.25-2.00 | $2.75-4.50 | $4.00-6.50 |
| Standing seam | $4.00-7.00 | $4.00-8.00 | $8.00-15.00 |
| Metal shingles | $5.00-10.00 | $4.00-7.00 | $9.00-17.00 |
Total Project Estimates (25-square roof):
| System | Materials | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrugated | $3,500-5,000 | $6,500-10,000 | $10,000-15,000 |
| R-Panel | $4,000-6,000 | $7,000-11,000 | $11,000-17,000 |
| Standing seam | $10,000-17,500 | $10,000-20,000 | $20,000-37,500 |
| Metal shingles | $12,500-25,000 | $10,000-17,500 | $22,500-42,500 |
Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles
A comprehensive comparison for your roofing decision:
Cost and Lifespan Analysis:
| Factor | Metal Roof | Asphalt Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost (25 sq) | $15,000-35,000 | $6,000-15,000 |
| Lifespan | 50-70 years | 20-30 years |
| Replacements in 60 years | 0-1 | 2-3 |
| Maintenance cost/year | $50-150 | $100-300 |
| 60-year total cost | $18,000-45,000 | $20,000-55,000 |
Performance Comparison:
| Characteristic | Metal | Asphalt |
|---|---|---|
| Wind resistance | 140+ mph | 60-130 mph |
| Hail resistance | Class 4 (impact) | Class 1-3 |
| Fire rating | Class A (non-combustible) | Class A-C |
| Weight | 1.0-1.5 lbs/sq ft | 2.5-4.5 lbs/sq ft |
| UV resistance | Excellent (reflective coatings) | Moderate (granule loss) |
| Algae/moss growth | Minimal | Common in humid areas |
Energy Efficiency:
| Metric | Metal Roof | Asphalt Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Solar reflectance | 25-70% (with coatings) | 5-25% |
| Cooling cost reduction | 10-25% | Minimal |
| Energy Star eligible | Yes (cool colors) | Limited options |
| Tax credits available | Possible (check local) | Rare |
Insurance and Value:
| Benefit | Metal Roof | Asphalt Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance discount | 10-35% | Minimal |
| Home value increase | 1-6% | Standard |
| Resale appeal | High | Standard |
| Warranty transferable | Usually yes | Sometimes |
Environmental Impact:
| Factor | Metal | Asphalt |
|---|---|---|
| Recycled content | 25-95% | 0-5% |
| End-of-life recyclable | 100% | 5-10% (landfill) |
| Petroleum-based | No | Yes |
| Can install over existing | Sometimes | Yes (1 layer) |
Gauge and Material Selection
Choosing the right gauge and material affects durability and cost:
Steel Gauge Options:
| Gauge | Thickness (inches) | Weight/Sq Ft | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 gauge | 0.013" | 0.36 lb | Siding, budget roofs |
| 26 gauge | 0.018" | 0.50 lb | Residential roofs (standard) |
| 24 gauge | 0.024" | 0.67 lb | Commercial, snow loads, premium |
| 22 gauge | 0.030" | 0.84 lb | Heavy commercial, industrial |
Lower gauge number = thicker steel = more durable but more expensive
Steel Coating Types:
| Coating | Composition | Lifespan | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galvanized (G-90) | Zinc | 20-30 years | $ |
| Galvalume (AZ-50) | 55% aluminum, 43.5% zinc | 40-60 years | $$ |
| Galvalume (AZ-55) | Same, heavier coat | 50-70 years | $$$ |
| Stone-coated | Galvalume + acrylic + stone | 50+ years | $$$$ |
Alternative Materials:
| Material | Pros | Cons | Cost/Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | No rust, lightweight, coastal | Dents easily, expansion | $6-12 |
| Copper | Patina, 100+ year life, no paint | Expensive, skilled install | $15-30 |
| Zinc | Self-healing, 80+ years | Expensive | $12-25 |
| Stainless steel | Corrosion proof, industrial | Very expensive | $15-35 |
Paint Systems:
| Type | Warranty | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| SMP (Silicone Modified Polyester) | 25-30 years | Budget/commercial |
| PVDF (Kynar 500/Hylar 5000) | 40 years | Premium residential |
| Ceramic/Cool coating | 30-40 years | Energy efficiency |
Installation Considerations
Key factors for successful metal roof installation:
Substrate Requirements:
| Substrate | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solid wood decking | Ideal | Provides best support |
| OSB/plywood | Good | Standard for new construction |
| Purlins/battens | Acceptable | Common for pole barns, retrofit |
| Over existing shingles | Sometimes | Check structural capacity |
Minimum Slope Requirements:
| Panel Type | Minimum Slope | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standing seam | 1/4:12 (1°) | With proper sealant |
| Standing seam (standard) | 3:12 | Most applications |
| Exposed fastener | 3:12 | With sealant at laps |
| Corrugated | 3:12-4:12 | Steeper is better |
Thermal Movement:
Metal expands and contracts significantly with temperature changes:
| Panel Length | Expansion Range (100°F swing) |
|---|---|
| 10 feet | ~1/8" |
| 20 feet | ~1/4" |
| 30 feet | ~3/8" |
| 40 feet | ~1/2" |
This is why standing seam uses floating clips and exposed fastener systems use slotted holes.
Fastening Patterns:
| Location | Exposed Fastener | Standing Seam |
|---|---|---|
| Eave | Every rib | Clip each rib |
| Field | Every other rib, 24" spacing | Clip 24" spacing |
| Ridge | Every rib | Clip each rib |
| Laps | 6-8" spacing | N/A (seamed) |
Underlayment Considerations:
- Use high-temperature underlayment designed for metal
- Standard asphalt felt can stick to metal in heat
- Synthetic with slip sheet is ideal
- Self-adhered membrane at eaves in cold climates
DIY vs Professional Installation
Evaluate your options before starting:
DIY Metal Roofing Feasibility:
| Factor | DIY Friendly | Professional Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Panel type | Exposed fastener | Standing seam |
| Roof pitch | 4:12 or less | 6:12 or steeper |
| Roof complexity | Simple gable | Hips, valleys, dormers |
| Building height | Single story | Multi-story |
| Experience | Some construction | None |
| Panel length | Pre-cut panels | Field-cut long panels |
DIY Cost Savings:
| System | Materials | Labor Saved | Total Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrugated (25 sq) | $4,000 | $6,000-8,000 | $6,000-8,000 |
| R-Panel (25 sq) | $5,000 | $7,000-10,000 | $7,000-10,000 |
| Standing seam | NOT RECOMMENDED FOR DIY |
Required Tools (Exposed Fastener):
| Tool | Own/Rent | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Drill/impact driver | Own | $100-200 |
| Metal cutting shears | Buy | $30-100 |
| Nibbler attachment | Buy | $40-80 |
| Chalk line | Buy | $15 |
| Tape measure (25'+) | Buy | $25 |
| Ladders | Own | $200-400 |
| Fall protection | Buy | $100-200 |
| Gloves (cut-resistant) | Buy | $25 |
| Safety glasses | Buy | $15 |
When to Always Hire Professionals:
- Standing seam installation (specialized equipment, skill)
- Commercial or multi-story buildings
- Complex roof designs
- Steep pitches (6:12 or greater)
- Historic or HOA-regulated properties
- When warranty coverage is critical
Pro Tips
- 💡Order panels cut to exact length when possible—this eliminates end laps and their potential leak points, and makes installation faster.
- 💡Use only metal roofing screws with EPDM or neoprene washers—regular screws will leak and rust; replace washers every 15-20 years on exposed fastener systems.
- 💡Install panels on dry, calm days—metal panels act like sails in wind and can be dangerous; schedule work for winds under 15 mph.
- 💡Never walk on panel ribs—step in flat areas near purlins or decking supports to avoid denting; use soft-soled shoes to prevent scratches.
- 💡Touch up scratches immediately with manufacturer-matched paint to prevent rust on exposed steel edges and scratches.
- 💡Leave 1/8" gap at closures and flashings for thermal expansion—tight fits cause buckling and oil-canning in temperature swings.
- 💡Install panels starting from the end opposite prevailing wind—this ensures overlaps face away from driving rain.
- 💡Pre-drill screw holes in thick gauge panels (24-gauge or less) to prevent dimpling and ensure straight, secure fastening.
- 💡Use butyl tape sealant at all end laps, sidewall flashings, and transitions—silicone caulk is not appropriate for metal roofing joints.
- 💡Check local codes for requirements—many areas have specific wind uplift, fastening, and underlayment requirements for metal roofing.
- 💡Store panels flat on leveled supports off the ground—stacking on uneven surfaces causes permanent bowing.
- 💡Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling metal panels—edges are extremely sharp; long sleeves protect arms from cuts and sunburn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Divide your roof width by the panel coverage width (not total width—typically 36" for R-panel, 16" for standing seam) and multiply by the number of rows. For a 40'×30' roof with 36" (3') coverage panels in 12' lengths: (40÷3) × (30÷12) = 13.3 × 2.5 = 34 panels minimum. Always add 10-15% for waste, especially with complex roof shapes, making it approximately 38-40 panels.
