When shopping for metal roofing, you might notice pricing comes in different formats—lineal foot, square foot, and per square. Why does it seem so complicated? Let’s break it down and simplify the madness so you can get the best value for your money! 💰
The Three Main Pricing Methods for Metal Roofing
1. Lineal Foot Pricing
✅ Most common for metal panels
✅ Best for custom-length orders
Many suppliers, including Indiana Metal, price panels per lineal foot based on panel width. This method ensures you only pay for the exact length you need.
💡 How to calculate lineal foot pricing:
📏 Price per lineal foot × panel length = total cost
👉 Example: A panel priced at $2 per LF and cut to 10 feet costs $20.
2. Square Foot Pricing
✅ Used for standard-size or pre-cut panels
✅ Helps compare different roofing materials
Pricing per square foot is often used for pre-cut panels or when comparing metal to other materials like shingles. Since square foot pricing is always lower than lineal foot pricing, it’s crucial to compare apples to apples when shopping.
💡 How to calculate square foot pricing:
📏 Panel width × panel length × price per square foot = total cost
👉 Example: A 3-ft wide panel, 10 ft long, priced at $1 per square foot = $30.
3. Per Square Pricing (100 sq. ft.)
✅ Common in roofing estimates
✅ Simplifies cost comparisons for full roof replacements
One “square” equals 100 square feet and is a standard unit of measure in roofing estimates. This method makes it easier to compare the cost of shingles vs. metal roofing at a glance.
💡 How to calculate per square pricing:
📏 Price per square × number of squares needed = total cost
👉 Example: A metal panel priced at $100 per square = $1 per square foot
A 1,500 sq. ft. roof = 15 squares, so multiply the per-square price by 15.
Which Pricing Method Matters Most?
It depends! No one method is right or wrong—what matters is knowing which unit of measure you’re being quoted and ensuring you compare the same pricing format when shopping around.
💡 Need help converting pricing units?
We’re always happy to lend a hand, break down your quote, and help you make the best decision for your project!
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