Using the calculator
How to use the roof replacement cost calculator.
Use this calculator as a planning tool before you talk to a contractor. It gives a low, typical, and high range so you can compare quotes against a visible set of assumptions instead of relying on one national average.
Start with the inputs you know.
- Enter your repair details. Select the repair type, scope, and any variables that match your situation. The more accurate the inputs, the closer the range will be to a real contractor quote.
- Adjust for severity and access. The calculator adjusts the base cost for condition severity and site access. If you are not sure, leave the defaults — they reflect the most common scenario.
- Review low, typical, and high. The output gives three numbers. Low reflects minimal scope. Typical reflects the most common project. High reflects complex conditions or larger access requirements.
- Bring the range to your contractor conversations. If a quote lands above the high or well below the low, ask the contractor to walk through their scope assumptions. A well-scoped quote rarely falls outside the range.
What changes the price.
The largest price swings usually come from repair method, measured severity, access, and what the quote excludes. For roof replacement, these are the main factors to review:
- Roof size in squares (one square is 100 square feet), since pricing is largely per square foot
- Material: 3-tab asphalt, architectural asphalt, metal, tile, or slate
- Pitch and complexity: steep slopes, valleys, dormers, and penetrations slow the work and raise labor
- Tear-off layers and decking condition discovered once the old roof comes off
- Local labor rates, access, number of stories, and permit requirements
How to read the estimate range.
The low range, around $5,800, reflects minimal scope and favorable site conditions. The typical range, around $11,000, is the most useful comparison point for an average project. The high range, around $30,000 or more, is where complex conditions, difficult access, or larger scope start to matter.
Roof replacement runs about $4 to $11 per square foot of roof area. Most asphalt shingle replacements land between $9,000 and $18,000, while a small simple roof can stay near $6,000 and metal, tile, or slate on a large or steep roof can reach $30,000 to $46,000 or more.
Common project scenarios.
- Small asphalt roof: $5,800 to $9,000. A simple, walkable roof under roughly 1,500 square feet with standard asphalt shingles and sound decking.
- Standard asphalt replacement: $9,000 to $18,000. Architectural shingles on a typical 1,500 to 2,500 square foot roof with full tear-off, new underlayment, and flashing.
- Metal roof replacement: $12,000 to $30,000. Metal shingles or panels, with standing seam at the top of the range at $18 to $24.50 per square foot installed.
- Tile, slate, or premium: $20,000 to $46,000+. Concrete or clay tile at $10 to $18 per square foot, or natural slate at $20 to $40, often with structural review for the added weight.
What may not be included.
- Decking replacement, typically priced per 4x8 sheet at $60 to $100 once tear-off exposes the wood
- Structural repair of rafters, trusses, or sagging framing
- Gutters, fascia, and soffit work unless itemized
- Skylight replacement and chimney masonry or cricket work
- Upgrades such as premium underlayment or added ventilation unless listed
- Permit fees in some markets, so confirm who pulls and pays for the permit
Use the number in contractor conversations.
The estimate is a reference point, not a final answer. If a contractor quote lands far above the high range or unusually far below the low range, ask what scope assumptions explain the difference.
- Is this a full tear-off, and what happens if you find rotted decking? What is the per-sheet price?
- Exactly which materials are included: shingle line, underlayment type, ice and water shield coverage, and flashing?
- Who pulls the permit, and is the fee in the quote?
- What is the workmanship warranty, and how does it differ from the manufacturer's material warranty?
- Are you licensed and insured for roofing in this state, and can I see certificates?
Read the Roof Replacement guideSee the full cost breakdownPrepare a quote request