Metal Roof Cost Calculator (2026)
What a metal roof costs installed, by panel type and house size, and how it compares with shingles. Planning ranges, not a quote. Don't know your roof size? The roof estimate by address measures it from the map.
How much does a metal roof cost?
Installed, a metal roof typically runs $4.50–$10 per sq ft for exposed-fastener panels (corrugated or R-panel with visible screws) and $10–$18 per sq ft for standing seam. That is $450–$1,000 and $1,000–$1,800 per square (100 sq ft of roof). On a 2,000 sq ft one-story house that works out to about $11,000–$24,450 for exposed-fastener and $24,450–$44,000 for standing seam. These are national 2026 ranges from the cost guides under sources; local bids can land outside them.
| House size (one story) | Approx. roof area | Exposed-fastener metal | Standing-seam metal | Architectural shingles (for comparison) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 1,270 sq ft | $5,700–$12,670 | $12,670–$22,800 | $5,070–$11,400 |
| 1,500 sq ft | 1,860 sq ft | $8,360–$18,580 | $18,580–$33,450 | $7,430–$16,720 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 2,440 sq ft | $11,000–$24,450 | $24,450–$44,000 | $9,780–$22,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | 3,030 sq ft | $13,620–$30,280 | $30,280–$54,500 | $12,110–$27,250 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 3,610 sq ft | $16,240–$36,090 | $36,090–$64,950 | $14,430–$32,480 |
How this table is sized. Roof area assumes a one-story rectangular house about 1.5 times as long as it is wide, a 1 ft overhang and a 6/12 pitch (a RoofGenius planning assumption). A two-story house with the same living area has about half the footprint, so look one or two rows up. Steep or cut-up roofs cost more; the calculator adjusts for both.
Price a metal roof for your address → Free, no sign-up. It measures your roof outline from map data and prices metal and shingles side by side.
Metal roof cost calculator
Estimate your metal roof cost
Switch the material to architectural shingles to see the same roof priced both ways. Need panel counts, lengths and screws instead of dollars? Use the metal roofing materials calculator.
How much is a metal roof for a 1,500 sq ft house?
"1,500 sq ft" can mean the house or the roof, and the answer differs:
| What is 1,500 sq ft | Roof area used | Exposed-fastener metal | Standing-seam metal |
|---|---|---|---|
| The roof itself (15 squares) | 1,500 sq ft | $6,750–$15,000 | $15,000–$27,000 |
| A one-story house | 1,860 sq ft | $8,360–$18,580 | $18,580–$33,450 |
| A two-story house (750 sq ft footprint) | 970 sq ft | $4,360–$9,680 | $9,680–$17,420 |
Metal roof vs shingles cost
| Material | Per sq ft installed | Per square | 2,000 sq ft of roof |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-tab asphalt shingles | $3.50–$6.50 | $350–$650 | $7,000–$13,000 |
| Architectural asphalt shingles | $4–$9 | $400–$900 | $8,000–$18,000 |
| Exposed-fastener metal panels | $4.50–$10 | $450–$1,000 | $9,000–$20,000 |
| Standing-seam metal | $10–$18 | $1,000–$1,800 | $20,000–$36,000 |
Exposed-fastener panels overlap the architectural-shingle range, so on a simple roof they can price close to a good shingle job. Standing seam usually costs roughly twice as much as architectural shingles. Whether the extra cost pays back depends on how long you'll stay in the house, local hail and wind exposure, and insurance discounts in your area; ask your insurer about impact-rated roofing before assuming one.
What changes a metal roof quote
- Panel type and gauge: standing seam with concealed clips costs more than screw-down panels; thicker gauge and premium coatings add more.
- Tear-off or overlay: some metal can go over one layer of shingles, which skips removal and disposal. See metal roof over shingles for when that is allowed and what it saves.
- Roof shape: hips, valleys, dormers and chimneys need custom trim and flashing, and metal waste is higher on cut-up roofs.
- Pitch: steep roofs need more safety setup and labor. Low pitches limit which panels are allowed; see metal roofing on a 4/12 pitch.
- Installer experience: fewer crews install metal than shingles in many markets, which can raise labor prices. Get at least three bids.
How the estimate is built
Clearly labeled assumptions. Material ranges come from the published sources below and are the same ones used on the roof replacement cost calculator. The complexity and steepness multipliers are RoofGenius planning assumptions, not a published dataset. Metal shingles and stone-coated steel are not priced here because the sources we use do not give a consistent range for them.
Sources
- The Roofing Brief, 2026 Roofing Cost Report (standing-seam and architectural shingle ranges).
- RemodelCalculators, Roof Replacement Cost (2026) (exposed-fastener metal, 3-tab and architectural ranges).
- HomeGuide, How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost? (2026) (labor per square; tear-off ranges).
- HomeMatchup, Roofing Cost Index 2026 (cross-check against Angi and Fixr figures).
Accessed October 2026. Where sources disagreed, the table uses a range that spans them. Treat every figure as directional.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a metal roof cost?
About $4.50–$10 per sq ft installed for exposed-fastener panels and $10–$18 per sq ft for standing seam, based on 2026 national ranges. For a 2,000 sq ft one-story house that is roughly $11,000–$24,450 or $24,450–$44,000.
How much is a metal roof on a 1,500 sq ft house?
For a one-story 1,500 sq ft house (about 1,860 sq ft of roof at 6/12), about $8,360–$18,580 for exposed-fastener panels or $18,580–$33,450 for standing seam. If 1,500 sq ft is the roof area itself, $6,750–$15,000 or $15,000–$27,000.
How much does a standing seam metal roof cost?
Roughly $1,000–$1,800 per square ($10–$18 per sq ft) installed, per 2026 cost guides.
Is a metal roof more expensive than shingles?
Usually. Architectural shingles run about $4–$9 per sq ft installed. Exposed-fastener metal overlaps that range at $4.50–$10, while standing seam at $10–$18 is typically about double.
Can a metal roof go over shingles to save money?
Often, over one layer in sound condition, if local code and the panel maker allow it. It skips tear-off and disposal. See the metal-over-shingles guide for the trade-offs.
Is this a quote?
No. It is a planning range from national averages. Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured local contractors.
Last reviewed 2026-10-29. Results are estimates for planning; confirm quantities with your supplier and requirements with your local building code and the manufacturer's instructions.