Soffit Calculator: How Much Soffit Do I Need?

Calculating how much you need should be a breeze

Close up of white vinyl soffit
Photo: tamas / Adobe Stock
Close up of white vinyl soffit
Photo: tamas / Adobe Stock
Highlights
  • Measuring soffits is easy, but accessing them isn’t (due to height). 

  • Most homes will have standardized soffit measurements. 

  • Installing soffits should be left to a pro. 

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Soffits play a key role in keeping your house cool and preventing moisture buildup in your attic. Wondering, “How much soffit do I need?” Luckily, calculating how much soffit your project demands isn’t hard, but access might be tricky as soffits are along your roofline. That being said, use this soffit calculator to figure out exactly how much material you need. 

How Much Soffit Is Needed For Common Projects

Soffit installation is more of a science than an art, which makes calculating how much you need a little more straightforward. Measure length multiplied by width (depth) to arrive at the required amount of soffit. From there, you simply purchase and install that exact amount. Remember that soffit requirements are based on length, so even if your eaves are sloped, you measure flat against the soffit board. 

ProjectSoffit Required
250-ft long eaves, 8 in. wide soffit250 linear feet of 8-inch soffit
120-ft long eaves, 12 in. wide soffit120 linear feet of 12-inch soffit
8-ft sloped section (45 degrees), 8 in. wide8 linear feet of 8-inch soffit

How to Calculate Soffit Requirements

Man measuring eaves for soffit
Photo: Niko_Dali / Adobe Stock

Calculating the required amount of soffit is simple, as you’ll only need two numbers: the length and depth of your roof’s eaves. While you can use the measuring features on your smartphone, it’s more accurate to use a measuring tape. If you’re not comfortable on ladders, call a pro, as soffits are usually fairly high up (where the roof meets the exterior wall).

Use the formula below to calculate soffit requirements: 

Soffit amount required = Length (feet) x depth (inches)

If your length measurements do not correspond exactly to available soffit lengths, you’ll either need to purchase smaller pieces to fit the length or cut the soffit to fit (a pro should do this). Make sure you account for waste when cutting.  

How to Measure Soffits

Soffits can be purchased in standardized widths and are often done so, as custom soffit work isn’t overly common. Most soffits are between 8 inches and 12 inches wide, with common lengths measuring 6 feet, 8 feet, and 12 feet.

Who to Hire for Soffit Measurements and Installation

Installation of soffits
Photo: kuchina / Adobe Stock

Measuring for soffits isn’t the most complicated task, but who do you call when you want a project quote or to begin installation? Roof repair professionals near you will be able to assist or direct any soffit-related work you plan on doing to your home. We recommend them over general contractors as their expertise with roof issues and access to soffit materials are second-to-none.   

How Much Does Soffit Installation Cost? 

Homeowners who need to replace the soffit around their entire home can expect to spend $2,550 on average, with a range between $1,625 and $3,500 (when installing vinyl). Metal and wood soffits are considerably more expensive and can cost between $2 and $25 per linear foot, whereas vinyl tops out around $12

The majority of soffit installation cost is from the installation itself—pros commonly charge between $40 and $120 per hour to perform this work. While this may seem high, remember the heights involved. Any work involving awkward positions with an element of danger will carry a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many modern homes have soffits, but older ones don’t, and you may be wondering why. Older homes have eaves that extend further beyond the home and help to circulate air, negating the need for a soffit. This style of building has faded away, therefore, modern homes need separate soffit installation. Modern soffits are more efficient than this older style and require less material to construct, saving homeowners money.

The purpose of soffits is to circulate air, so a blocked soffit means the air in your attic becomes stagnant. This can lead to a number of problems, mostly moisture-related, that can cause damage to your health and your home. The good news is that unclogging soffits is relatively straightforward, and if your attic is easy to access, an easy DIY project.

Soffits last between 10 and 25 years on average, but can last much longer in moderate climates and if there is no damage. Making sure your soffits are free from obstruction goes a long way to extend their life. Any rust issues (on metal soffits) should be taken care of as soon as they’re noticed. That being said, the lifespan of your soffit will ultimately depend on its material, with metal lasting the longest, then wood, then vinyl.

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