Roofs, fences and decks are some of the largest projects a homeowner takes on, and they are priced by material quantity. Roofers quote by the square, fence companies by the linear foot and deck builders by the board and joist. These calculators help you understand those numbers before you collect quotes or start building.
All Roofing & Outdoor Calculators
Choosing the Right Calculator
- Replacing a roof? The Roofing Calculator converts your house footprint and pitch into roof area, squares and shingle bundles.
- Need the slope of a roof or a shed? The Roof Pitch Calculator turns rise and run into pitch, angle in degrees and slope factor.
- Building a fence? The Fence Calculator counts posts, rails, pickets or panels and the concrete for the post holes.
- Planning a deck? The Deck Calculator estimates deck boards, joists and screws from the deck size and board width.
- Building steps? The Stair Calculator works out risers, treads and stringer length.
- Filling or treating a pool? The Pool Volume Calculator gives gallons and liters.
- Laying a new lawn? The Sod Calculator counts rolls and pallets.
Understanding Roofing Units
Roofing is measured in squares. One square equals 100 square feet (about 9.29 square meters) of roof surface. Most architectural asphalt shingles come three bundles to a square. Because a roof slopes, the actual roof area is always larger than the house footprint, which is why roof pitch matters so much in any estimate.
Planning Fences and Decks
Fences are planned in linear feet along the property line. The spacing between posts, usually 6 or 8 feet, decides how many posts, rails and panels you need. Decks are planned by surface area, but boards are bought by length, so a good estimate considers board width, the gap between boards and the joist spacing underneath.
Before You Start
- Check property lines and any homeowners association rules before building a fence.
- Most areas require a permit for a new deck and for many roof replacements.
- Call your local utility locating service before digging post holes.
- Roofing work at height is dangerous; hire a licensed and insured roofer for anything beyond small repairs.
Re-siding the house? The Siding Calculator works out squares, boxes and panels including gables.
For lawns and roof framing, try the Grass Seed Calculator, Fertilizer Calculator, Rafter Length Calculator and Gutter Calculator.