Enter your roof size, choose the roofing material, and add prices from your roofing quotes. The calculator adds up the new roof, tear-off, decking and fees, and shows the cost per square and per square foot.
| Item | Cost |
|---|
Prices vary a lot by material, roof shape and region. Use quotes from local roofers for an accurate estimate.
What goes into the cost of a new roof
- New roof, installed: roofers usually quote a price per square (100 sq ft) that covers materials and labor.
- Tear-off: removing the old roofing, priced per square for each layer.
- Decking: rotten or damaged roof sheathing is replaced by the sheet.
- Dumpster, permits and fees: one-off costs for the job.
The calculator doesn’t fill in prices, because they vary a lot with the material, the roof and your area. To find your roof size, measure the house footprint including overhangs and use the pitch, or use the roofing calculator.
Worked example
A 40 × 30 ft house with a 6/12 roof is 13.4 squares. Using example prices of $450 per square installed, $120 per square to tear off one layer, 5 sheets of decking at $40 and $600 in fees:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| New roof, installed (with 10% extra material) | $6,641 |
| Tear-off | $1,610 |
| Decking | $200 |
| Dumpster, permits and fees | $600 |
| Total | $9,051, or about $675 per square |
These prices are only for illustration. Your local prices will be different.
What makes a roof cost more or less
- Material: asphalt shingles are usually the least expensive. Metal costs more up front but lasts longer. Tile and slate cost the most.
- Pitch: steep roofs need extra safety gear and take longer, so they cost more per square.
- Shape: valleys, dormers, skylights and chimneys add flashing and labor.
- Layers: each old layer to remove adds tear-off and disposal cost.
- Decking: you often don’t know how much needs replacing until the old roof is off.
Getting accurate quotes
- Ask two or three licensed local roofers for itemized quotes.
- Check what each includes: underlayment, flashing, ventilation, drip edge and the warranty.
- Ask how they price extra decking, so a surprise doesn’t blow the budget.
- Compare the price per square, which the calculator shows for your figures.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a new roof cost?
It depends on the size, material, pitch and your area. Enter the squares and the prices from your quotes above to see a full breakdown.
How much does a roof cost per square?
Roofers quote it per square installed. Divide the total by the number of squares, which the calculator does for you.
Do I need to tear off the old roof?
Common US codes don’t allow a new layer over two existing layers, and a tear-off lets the roofer check and repair the decking. Many roofers recommend it either way.
How many squares is a 2,000 square foot house?
It depends on the footprint and pitch, not the living area. Measure the footprint including overhangs and multiply by the pitch factor, then divide by 100.
Will insurance pay for a new roof?
Only for damage your policy covers, such as some storm damage. Normal wear and age usually aren’t covered. Check your policy.
Results are estimates for planning. Prices vary by area, so use local quotes. See How We Calculate for the formulas we use.
Guides for this project
Roofing & SidingRoof Pitch Chart: Common Roof Pitches Explained (4/12, 6/12, 8/12 and More)Roof pitch is how many inches a roof rises for every 12 inches it runs across, written as…Read the guide →7 min read
Roofing & SidingMetal Roof vs Shingles: Lifespan, Cost Factors, Pros and ConsA metal roof usually lasts 40 to 70 years, stands up well to wind, fire and snow, and…Read the guide →13 min read
Roofing & SidingHow Long Does a Roof Last? Shingles, Metal and MoreMost roofs last 15 to 30 years with asphalt shingles, 40 to 70 years with metal, and 50…Read the guide →9 min read