Measure Roof Pitch With Speed Square

Measure with a speed square a speed square and level can be used to easily find the pitch of a roof.

Measure roof pitch with speed square.

Measuring pitches part of the speed square s role as a protractor and its original mission as a tool is in quickly finding common and uncommon rafter angles for the pitches on roofs. The pitch tells you the amount of vertical rise in inches for every 12 inches of run. Adjust the square until the level is level. Use the framing square to get roof slope.

Because of its compact size it is frequently used as a saw guide when cutting framing members as well as a layout tool for quick 45 and 90 degree cuts. Depending on your allowance for making the ridge board and fascia board plumb cuts you can see that you should be able to cut these rafters out of a 20 ft. The pitch can also be measured if only a level mark can be made. Read the pitch on the side of the speed square.

This is accomplished by use of the main protractor and two specialty protractor angle guides on the inside of the tool. The triangle shaped square was invented in 1925 by albert swanson to provide a quick accurate method for marking rafters. Place the pivot point against the shingles. Set the level on the edge of the speed square as shown below then place the heel of the speed square on a rafter or gable edge of the roof.

2x piece of lumber. Measure the roof pitch with a speed square. This is the case on the fascia boards in gables where overhanging shingles prevent an accurate measurement with a speed square on the plumb mark. Then place a torpedo level on the fat base of the speed square.