Whether you’re a homeowner planning a project or a contractor overseeing the details, roofing is one of your most significant investments, and knowing about the materials involved makes sense. Perhaps the most commonly used term in roofing is “square”. But if you’ve ever asked yourself question “How many shingles in a square?, you’re not alone..
| Shingle Type | Bundles per Square | Shingles per Bundle | Coverage per Bundle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Asphalt Shingles | 3 bundles | ~29 shingles | ~33.3 sq. ft. |
| Architectural Shingles | 4 bundles | ~20-22 shingles | Varies (~25 sq. ft.) |
| Specialty Shingles | 5 bundles | Varies | ~20 sq. ft. |
What Is a Roofing Square?
So what is a roofing square? A roofing square is a unit of measurement used for roofing. Refers to 100 square feet of roof area, more convenient for contractors and suppliers to calculate the materials needed for a project. Although the math probably seems excessive, instead of trying to figure out how many shingles you need for thousands of square feet, a roofing square organizes the data.
Why Is a Roofing Square Necessary?
Standardisation: It offers a standard method for calculating material requirements across various roofing projects.
Efficiency: Rather than measure and order shingles for every single square foot, the square lumps calculations into large manageable chunks.
Adaptability: The square is a universal measurement that applies to almost all types of roofing materials, whether you are working with asphalt, slate or metal shingles.
Different kinds of Roofing Materials
Different roofing materials are not created equal, and these variations can directly affect how many shingles you will need. For example:
Asphalt shingles are the most popular choice and usually come in packages of bundles that cover approximately one-third of a square.
Slate, metal shingles and other specialty materials could require different calculations, as they are heavier or come in larger/smaller sizes.
Explaining Roofing Shingles
Roofing shingles are the outermost layer of your roof providing you protection against the elements and look of your home. The type of shingle selected is also a big factor in how many shingles are in a square.
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Types of Shingles
- Asphalt Shingles: This is the most common and least expensive option. They come in two varieties:
- Three-tab shingles: Lightweight and old-fashioned.
- Architectural shingles: A thicker and more durable option that provides a layered look.
- Wood Shingles: Made of cedar or redwood, this is very durable but costly.
- Slate shingles: Very heavy and durable but expensive.
Metal Shingles: Lightweight, strong, and environmentally friendly, frequently employed in extreme weather regions.
Average Coverage Per Bundle
- The average bundle of asphalt shingles covers about 33.3 square feet.
- For specialty shingles (wood, slate, etc.), the coverage will vary based on weight and type of material.
- A few of the factors that affect shingle packaging
Weight: Thicker shingles come in smaller quantities per bundle (due to their denser packing) and can be more difficult to transport.
Material — Each material has its own dimensions, weight, and packaging standards.
How to Determine the Number of Shingles in a Square
Calculating how many shingles you will need for a roofing project can seem daunting, but it is simpler than you might think when you break it down step by step.
MEASURE YOUR ROOF AREA
- First of all, measure the dimensions of your roof:
- The first step is to measure each roof section length and width.
- You then multiply length × width to calculate total square footage per section.
Sum up all areas to have the overall area of the roof.
Roof Pitch and Complexity Considerations
If your roof has a steep pitch or a complex design (dormers, hips, etc.), you have to consider additional material. To account for all these complexities, multiply the overall roof area by a pitch factor.
The Roof Square Footage to Squares
If you already have your total roof area, use this formula to convert it into roofing squares:
Square footage divided by 100 = Roof area in squares
- Example Calculation
- For a 2,000-square-foot roof:
- 2,000 ÷ 100 = 20 squares
Find the Number of Bundles
Because the most common asphalt shingles are sold in bundles, with each covering approximately 33.3 square feet, that means you need 3 bundles per square. So, the total number of bundles can be calculated by multiplying the number of squares (3) with hike.
Specialty Shingles Adjustments
If you are using heavier or specialty shingles, you may need 4–5 bundles per square. Note: Always refer to the manufacturer’s specs.
Calculate Individual Shingles
Enter the total number of bundles and the number of shingles per bundle to get the exact number of shingles. For example:
Asphalt shingles come in bundles, and a typical bundle contains 29 shingles.
- If your roof needs 60 bundles:
- 60 × 29 = 1,740 shingles
- What May Affect Shingle Needs
Roof Design and Complexity
- The size and pitch of your roof are major factors in determining how many shingles you’ll need:
- Simple roofs (such as gable roofs) have less to calculate and use up less materials.
- More complicated roofs (hip roofs and roofs with dormers) will use more shingle due to cuts and overlaps.
Waste and Overage
- Always add 10% extra for waste and overage. This is particularly important for:
- Cutting and trimming: Shingles must be trimmed to fit edges and corners.
- Screw-ups: Extra shingles can conceal mistakes or damaged tiles.
- Future repair: If repairs are needed, having spare shingles ensures the same style, color and manufacturer.
Brand Per Shingle and Per Type Differences
Coverage rates may vary for premium shale or those from specific brands. Refer to the manufacturer’s packaging for exact details.
Cost — Roofing Shingles
Material Costs
Shingles can carry a wide range of costs, based on the materials and quality:
- Asphalt shingles: $25–$50 per bundle
- Wood shingles: $100–$150 per bundle
- Slate shingles: $150–$300 per bundle.
- Metal shingles: $150–$300 each bundle.
Labor Costs
Labor cost typically covers 60% of roofing cost. On average:
Labor costs are $1.50–$4.50/square foot.
For a 2,000-square-foot roof, labor alone might run $3,000–$9,000.
Type of Shingles Cost Per Bundle Bundles Per Square Total Cost Per SquareAsphalt$25–$503$75–$150Wood$100–$1503–4$300–$600Slate$150–$3004$600–$1,200Metal$150–$3003–4$450–$1,200
Tools and Resources for Estimating Shingles
Roofing Calculators
Estimating shingle needs is simple with online tools such as the Omni Calculator and HomeAdvisor’s Roofing Calculator. Just enter the dimensions and pitch of your roof and material type.
Manual Calculation Tips
If you prefer going hands-on then that manual calculations are useful. Be sure to doublecheck your math, and factor in waste to avoid shortages.
Conclusion
Getting that number right can help you stay on budget and avoid waste when buying your shingles. Knowing roofing squares, types of shingles, and the factors of material needs is a vital step to feeling confident in your project. Don’t be afraid to use online tools or hire a professional to get accurate estimates.
If you have worked on a roofing project recently or have shingles questions Leave a comment below sharing your experiences or asking!
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