Metal is ordered in linear feet of panel
Metal roofing is priced by the linear foot of panel — typically 36 inches wide, cut to your slope length at the factory. The calculator converts footprint × pitch multiplier to roof area, then to <strong>squares for cost comparison and linear feet of 36-inch panels for ordering</strong>, with the 10% waste that panel roofing needs for laps.
Exposed fastener vs standing seam
Exposed-fastener corrugated steel runs $1–4 per sq ft and is DIY-friendly; standing seam runs $8–15 and is usually pro-installed. Both order by the same panel math here. Check the panel coverage width — corrugated panels vary from 24 to 43 inches of coverage, which changes the linear footage proportionally.