7/12 Roof Pitch
A 7/12 roof (also written 7:12 or "7 on 12") rises 7 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run: 30.26°, a 58.3% slope, and 15.8% more surface than its footprint.
| Measure | 7/12 value |
|---|---|
| Angle | 30.26° |
| Slope percent | 58.3% |
| Rise per foot of run | 7 in |
| Pitch multiplier (area factor) | 1.1577 |
| Hip/valley factor | 1.5298 |
| Common rafter length per foot of run | 13-7/8" |
| Plumb cut / seat cut | 30.3° / 59.7° |
Where you see a 7/12 roof
Typical uses: colonials, farmhouses and homes with usable attic storage. A 7/12 roof is right around 30 degrees (30.26 to be exact). That is where many crews start setting toe boards or roof jacks, and some contractors begin to add a steep-slope charge. It gives noticeably more attic headroom than a 6/12.
Roof area at 7/12
7/12 formulas
Worked examples
7/12 rafter lengths and ridge heights
| Building span | Run | Rafter (no overhang) | Ridge rise |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 ft | 8 ft | 9' 3-1/8" | 4' 8" |
| 20 ft | 10 ft | 11' 6-15/16" | 5' 10" |
| 24 ft | 12 ft | 13' 10-11/16" | 7' 0" |
| 28 ft | 14 ft | 16' 2-1/2" | 8' 2" |
| 32 ft | 16 ft | 18' 6-1/4" | 9' 4" |
| 36 ft | 18 ft | 20' 10-1/16" | 10' 6" |
Roof area by footprint at 7/12
| Footprint (incl. overhang) | Roof area | Squares |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 1,158 sq ft | 11.6 |
| 1,500 sq ft | 1,737 sq ft | 17.4 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 2,315 sq ft | 23.2 |
| 2,500 sq ft | 2,894 sq ft | 28.9 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 3,473 sq ft | 34.7 |
Materials and walkability
- Shingles: Yes. 4/12 and steeper takes a standard shingle installation.
- Walkable? With care. Many roofers use toe boards or roof jacks at this pitch.
- OSHA class: Steep roof (OSHA): OSHA treats anything steeper than 4/12 as a steep roof for fall-protection rules.
Roofing materials allowed on a 7/12 roof
| Roof covering | Code minimum | OK at 7/12? |
|---|---|---|
| Standing-seam metal panels | 0.25/12 (IRC R905.10.2) | Yes |
| Built-up, modified bitumen, single-ply membrane (TPO, EPDM, PVC) | 0.25/12 (IRC R905.9, R905.11, R905.12) | Yes |
| Lapped metal panels with lap sealant | 0.5/12 (IRC R905.10.2) | Yes |
| Mineral-surfaced roll roofing | 1/12 (IRC R905.5.2) | Yes |
| Asphalt shingles | 2/12 (IRC R905.2.2) | Yes |
| Clay and concrete tile | 2.5/12 (IRC R905.3.2) | Yes |
| Metal roof shingles | 3/12 (IRC R905.4.2) | Yes |
| Lapped metal panels, no sealant (exposed-fastener) | 3/12 (IRC R905.10.2) | Yes |
| Wood shingles and shakes | 3/12 (IRC R905.7, R905.8) | Yes |
| Slate | 4/12 (IRC R905.6.2) | Yes |
Sources
- International Code Council, International Residential Code (2021 and 2024), Section R905 minimum slopes, as summarized in IRC 2024 Chapter 9 (UpCodes) and the MyBuildingPermit residential re-roof checklist. Local amendments and manufacturer instructions can be stricter.
- OSHA, 29 CFR 1926.500(b): a low-slope roof is 4 in 12 or less; a steep roof is greater than 4 in 12. 1926.501(b)(13) requires fall protection for residential construction work 6 ft or more above a lower level.
← 6/12 pitch · 8/12 pitch → · All pitches in degrees
Frequently asked questions
How many degrees is a 7/12 roof pitch?
A 7/12 roof pitch is 30.26 degrees.
What is the multiplier for a 7/12 pitch?
The pitch multiplier for 7/12 is 1.1577. Multiply the footprint area or horizontal run by it to get the sloped area or rafter length.
Can you put shingles on a 7/12 roof?
Yes. 4/12 and steeper takes a standard shingle installation.
Is a 7/12 roof walkable?
With care. Many roofers use toe boards or roof jacks at this pitch.
Last reviewed 2026-10-21. Results are estimates for planning; confirm quantities with your supplier and requirements with your local building code and the manufacturer's instructions.