You climbed the ladder, measured every slope and checked the flashing. Now the homeowner wants a number, and they've probably called two other roofers too.
The roofer who sends a clear, professional estimate first, with a price that makes sense line by line, usually gets the job. This roofing estimate template helps you do that the same day. The Excel and Google Sheets versions turn your roof area into squares, add your waste factor and calculate every line, the total and a likely price range.
Download the free roofing estimate template
No email required. In the Excel file, everything in blue is yours to fill in. Everything in black calculates on its own.
What's in this roofing estimate template
- Roof measurements: type the roof area and your waste factor, and the template calculates the squares to order.
- "Per square" lines that update on their own: tear-off, underlayment, shingles and labor all use the squares number, so you never multiply by hand.
- Fixed lines for ice and water shield, flashing, ridge cap and vents, dumpster and permit.
- Subtotal, discount, tax and estimated total.
- A likely price range (plus or minus 10% by default), so the homeowner isn't surprised by the final bill.
- The decking clause: what you'll charge per sheet if you find rotted decking after tear-off.
- Warranty, exclusions and a signature line.
How to estimate a roofing job (step by step)
1. Measure the real roof area, not the footprint
A sloped roof has more surface than the floor of the house. Measure each slope (length times width) and add them up, or measure the footprint including the overhangs and multiply by the pitch factor:
| Roof pitch | Multiply footprint by |
|---|---|
| 4/12 | 1.054 |
| 6/12 | 1.118 |
| 8/12 | 1.202 |
| 10/12 | 1.302 |
| 12/12 | 1.414 |
Example: a 2,000 sq ft footprint with a 6/12 pitch is about 2,236 sq ft of roof.
2. Convert to squares and add waste
Roofing materials are sold by the square: 100 square feet of roof. Then add waste for cuts and starter rows:
- About 10% for a simple gable roof.
- About 15% for hip roofs, dormers or lots of valleys.
The template does this for you: 2,400 sq ft with 10% waste is 26.4 squares.
3. Price the per-square work
Tear-off, underlayment, shingles and installation labor are usually priced per square. Use your real costs plus your margin. The prices in the template are placeholders only, since costs vary a lot by region, material and roof.
4. Add the fixed items
Ice and water shield (by the roll), drip edge, flashing, ridge cap, vents, dumpster and permit. These are the lines homeowners forget, and the ones that make your estimate look thorough next to a competitor's one-line price.
5. Plan for what you can't see
You don't know the condition of the decking until the old shingles are off. Don't guess it into the total. Instead, state a price per sheet for any rotted decking and promise to send photos before replacing it. It's fair to the homeowner and it protects your margin.
6. Show a range and set an expiry date
A range like "$14,045 to $17,167" sets honest expectations. An expiry date (30 days is common) protects you when shingle prices change.
Roofing estimate example
Here's the template filled in for a full replacement on a 2,400 sq ft roof (example prices only):
| # | Description | Qty | Unit price | Line total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tear-off and disposal (per square) | 26.4 | $120 | $3,168 |
| 2 | Synthetic underlayment (per square) | 26.4 | $45 | $1,188 |
| 3 | Architectural shingles, materials (per square) | 26.4 | $150 | $3,960 |
| 4 | Installation labor (per square) | 26.4 | $200 | $5,280 |
| 5 | Ice and water shield (rolls) | 4 | $95 | $380 |
| 6 | Drip edge and flashing | 1 | $450 | $450 |
| 7 | Ridge cap and vents | 1 | $380 | $380 |
| 8 | Dumpster and haul-away | 1 | $550 | $550 |
| 9 | Permit (if required) | 1 | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated total | $15,606 | |||
| Likely range (± 10%) | $14,045 to $17,167 |
Plus: rotted decking, if found, replaced at $85 per sheet, with photos first.
What to say when you send it
With the estimate:
Hi [name], here's your estimate for the new roof at [address]. The likely range is [$low] to [$high]. The only unknown is the decking under the old shingles. If we find any rot, I'll send you photos before replacing anything. Happy to walk you through it on a quick call.
Follow-up after 3 days:
Hi [name], just checking you got the roofing estimate. Any questions about the materials or the timeline? We have an opening on [week], and the estimate is valid until [date].
Homeowners often collect three roofing estimates. A friendly follow-up keeps yours at the top of the pile. And once the scope is confirmed, turn the estimate into a fixed-price quote. Not sure which one you're giving? See estimate vs quote.
Write it faster with AI
Record a 2-minute voice note on the roof or in your truck: measurements, pitch, layers, problem areas, materials the homeowner wants. Turn it into text and paste it into an AI assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot) with this prompt:
Turn my notes into a clear roofing estimate for [homeowner name]: a one-sentence job description, line items (per square and fixed), what's not included, the decking clause and a timeline. Plain English, friendly tone. My notes: [paste]
Check every number, then copy the lines into the template. AI drafts, you decide.
More free estimate templates
- By trade: Landscaping estimate template, Painting estimate template, Plumbing estimate template, Handyman estimate template, HVAC estimate template.
- Estimate template: for any job, with a likely price range.
- Quote template: for fixed-price jobs.
Frequently asked questions
How many squares is my roof?
Divide the total roof area (all slopes) by 100, then add 10% to 15% for waste. A 2,400 sq ft roof with 10% waste needs 26.4 squares. The template calculates it for you.
Should roofing estimates be free?
Most roofers give free estimates for replacements, since it's how they win jobs. Some charge an inspection fee for small repairs or insurance claims and credit it back if the customer books.
How long should a roofing estimate be valid?
Most roofers use 30 days, or shorter when material prices are changing fast. The template is set to 30 days, and you can change it.
What's the difference between a roofing estimate and a roofing quote?
An estimate is your best price based on what you can see, often with a range. A quote is a fixed price for a clearly defined job. Many roofers estimate first and quote once the scope is confirmed.
Can I use this roofing estimate template in Google Sheets?
Yes. Use the Google Sheets link above to make your own copy, or upload the Excel file to Google Drive and open it with Google Sheets. The formulas work in both.
Want to win more of the roofs you estimate?
This template comes from Close More Deals, book 2 of the AI for Small Business series. It shows you how to reply to new inquiries fast, turn a voice note into an estimate in minutes, follow up without being pushy and bring past customers back, with ready-to-copy messages and a Sales Tracker spreadsheet.
See the full kit · or start with the free 5 Quick Wins guide