# Rapid Squares: a roof squares report in under 30 minutes

> Rapid Squares gives the roof in squares without the full measured report. Each building is outlined on an aerial photo with our estimated pitch and its squares with 10, 12 and 15% waste, plus a table with the squares for each other pitch from 1/12 to 12/12 in case the real pitch is different. It costs $7, is open to every account and is delivered in under 30 minutes, as a one-page PDF, an XML and the photo. There are no facets, edge lengths, diagrams or Xactimate ESX.

Category: Products. Last updated 2026-10-22.
Canonical: https://roofquery.com/guides/rapid-squares

Rapid Squares is the roof in squares, fast: each building outlined on an aerial photo, with our estimated pitch and its squares with waste. It is $7 per address and arrives in under 30 minutes, for quoting a job or ordering material when you do not need every facet and edge.

## Who is Rapid Squares for?

Anyone who needs a number of squares before they need a full report: a roofer pricing a re-roof on the first call, a CRM sending a quote within the hour, a supplier sizing a material order. We estimate the pitch from above, so the PDF also has a table with the squares for each other pitch, from 1/12 to 12/12. If you measured a different pitch on the roof, use that row. When the job needs edge lengths, a pitch for every face or an Xactimate file, order the [residential](https://roofquery.com/guides/residential-roof-report) or [commercial roof report](https://roofquery.com/guides/commercial-roof-report) instead.

## What do you get?

Three files, plus the numbers on the order.

| File | What it shows |
| --- | --- |
| One-page PDF | The property photo with each building outlined in its own colour, the squares at our estimated pitch, and a table with the squares for each pitch from 1/12 to 12/12, with 10, 12 and 15% waste |
| XML | The totals, then each building's pitch, its outline and any holes, such as a courtyard. Points are in feet and in pixels on the photo |
| Photo | The aerial photo the outlines were traced on, a JPEG with no outlines and no branding, to draw them over yourself |

On the order, `totals` carries the roof area and squares at the estimated pitch, the footprint, the perimeter and the squares with 10% waste. Each entry in `structures[]` has its `estimatedPitch` and `squaresByPitch`, the building's squares for each pitch from 1/12 to 12/12, so your software can use another. The full shape is on the [Rapid Squares](https://roofquery.com/docs/rapid-squares) reference.

## How much does it cost and how fast is it?

$7 per report, taken from your prepaid balance, and delivered in under 30 minutes. Every account can order it, with no request or plan needed. If you need it faster, email [info@roofquery.com](mailto:info@roofquery.com) and we may be able to work something out. A `completed` webhook fires when the files are ready, the same as for any roof report, and your account's own price is on [pricing](https://roofquery.com/docs/pricing).

## How do you order it?

The same POST as a roof report, with `"reportType": "rapid_squares"`. In the dashboard: **Order a report**, **Roof report**, report type **Rapid Squares**.

```
curl -X POST "https://api.roofquery.com/api/v1/reports/orders" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer rq_live_sk_..." \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "country": "US", "street": "6515 Turnbridge Pl", "city": "Prospect",
    "state": "KY", "postalCode": "40059",
    "latitude": 38.3526391, "longitude": -85.6208045,
    "scope": "all_structures",
    "reportType": "rapid_squares"
  }'
```

Every other field works as on a [roof report order](https://roofquery.com/docs/place-an-order): `scope` is required, and `brand` names the contractor the order is for. Statuses, webhooks and the [sandbox](https://roofquery.com/docs/sandbox) are the same too; a sandbox order delivers a recorded PDF, XML and photo for free.

## How do you put the outlines on your own map?

Draw the XML over the photo. Every corner in the XML has `px` and `py`, its pixel on the photo counted from the top left, so the outlines line up with no scaling or rotation. The photo's width, height and feet per pixel are on the XML's `` element. The photo route, like the PDF and XML, needs no API key, and the reference has a short browser example.

> 

## What does Rapid Squares not include?

Facets, edge lengths, a pitch for each face, the four diagrams and the ESX. It gives one estimated pitch per building, so a roof with several pitches is priced from one; the table lets you use a different one. It does not assess condition or damage. For the storm history of the same address, a [Storm Report](https://roofquery.com/guides/storm-reports) is $5 and instant. [How many structures a report covers](https://roofquery.com/guides/how-many-structures-does-a-roof-report-cover) explains the scopes.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Rapid Squares cost?

$7 per address, from your prepaid balance. There is no subscription or minimum.

### How long does a Rapid Squares report take?

Under 30 minutes. If you need it faster, email info@roofquery.com and we may be able to work something out.

### What waste factors does Rapid Squares show?

The PDF gives the squares at our estimated pitch, and a table with the squares for each pitch from 1/12 to 12/12, with 10, 12 and 15% waste, in case the real pitch is different.

### Can I get an Xactimate ESX with Rapid Squares?

No. Rapid Squares has no roof faces to convert, so there is no ESX. Order a residential or commercial roof report with the ESX option instead.