How to Calculate Roof Squares from Satellite Maps for Free
Accurate roof measurements are the foundation of profitable roofing estimates. In the past, contractors had to climb ladders with physical tape measures or pay $30–$70 per report from third-party aerial measurement companies.
Today, high-resolution satellite imagery and geodesic GIS calculators allow roofing contractors, solar installers, and homeowners to measure roof square footage online for free in under 2 minutes.
What is a Roofing Square?
1 Roofing Square = 100 sq ft of roof area
Whether you are ordering 3-tab asphalt shingles, architectural shingles, standing seam metal panels, or synthetic slate, roofing materials are priced and sold by the square.
Step-by-Step: Measuring a Roof from Satellite Maps
1Search the Property Address
Enter any US property address in the Satellite Roof Measure Calculator. The WebGL map engine centers high-definition satellite imagery over the roof.
2Trace Roof Section Polygons
Click corners around each roof facet (main roof, garage ridge, dormers, and porch overhangs). Geodesic geometry algorithms measure the flat 2D ground footprint in square feet.
3Select the Roof Pitch Slope
Satellite maps view roofs straight down (2D footprint). Because roofs slope upward at an angle, the actual 3D surface area is larger. Select the roof pitch from the dropdown (e.g. 6/12 or 8/12).
4Get Total Roofing Squares
The tool automatically multiplies your flat 2D footprint by the pitch multiplier: True Area = Flat Footprint × Pitch Multiplier.
Common Pitch Multipliers Table
| Pitch | Slope Angle | Multiplier | Extra Area (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0/12 (Flat) | 0.0° | ×1.000 | +0% |
| 4/12 | 18.4° | ×1.054 | +5.4% |
| 6/12 | 26.6° | ×1.118 | +11.8% |
| 8/12 | 33.7° | ×1.202 | +20.2% |
| 12/12 | 45.0° | ×1.414 | +41.4% |
Start Measuring Online
Try our free satellite measurement tool to trace your next job and generate instant PDF reports.
Open Satellite Roof CalculatorReady to Measure Your Next Roof?
Enter any address to trace roof outlines, calculate pitch multipliers, and export PDF reports for free.
Open Satellite Roof Calculator