Roof shingle calculator
Estimate the shingle bundles and squares needed for a roofing job, with a waste allowance built in.
Roof shingle calculator
Estimate the shingle bundles and squares needed for a roofing job, with a waste allowance built in.
Enter your footprint dimensions to see the shingle estimate.
Bundles needed
Project summary
How it works
These are material estimates. Starter strip and ridge cap shingles are bought separately and are not included in the bundle count. Verify manufacturer coverage and local code requirements.
Roof shingle calculator
From roof area to a bundle order
This calculator carries the same footprint-to-sloped-area conversion the roof square footage calculator uses, then finishes the job: applying a waste allowance for cuts at hips, valleys and edges, and converting the result into whole bundles to buy, using the standard three-bundles-per-square packaging convention for asphalt shingles.
What is not included
Starter strip shingles along the eaves and ridge cap shingles along the peak are bought as separate products, not counted in this bundle total, since they cover linear footage rather than square footage. Budget for them separately using your roof's eave and ridge length.
Frequently asked questions
How many bundles of shingles do I need?
A 40 by 30 foot footprint at a 6 in 12 pitch has a roof area of about 1,342 square feet, or 13.4 squares. With a 10 percent waste allowance and 3 bundles per square, that comes to 45 bundles. Enter your own footprint and pitch above for the exact figure.
How many bundles of shingles cover one square?
Standard asphalt shingles are packaged three bundles to the square (100 square feet), which is the near-universal convention across manufacturers, though it is worth confirming on the specific product you are buying.
How many shingles do I need for a 2000 square foot roof?
You need approximately 65 bundles of three tab shingles or 65 bundles of architectural shingles for a 2000 square foot roof, assuming three bundles per square. Add 10 to 15 percent waste. The calculator gives you the exact bundle count based on your roof area and shingle type.
What is the difference between three tab and architectural shingles?
Three tab shingles are flat with cutouts that create the appearance of three separate pieces. Architectural shingles are thicker and have a dimensional, layered look. Architectural shingles last longer and carry better warranties but cost more. The calculator lets you choose either type.
How many squares of starter strip do I need?
Starter strip runs along the eaves and rakes. Calculate the linear footage of the eaves and divide by the shingle exposure width. The calculator includes starter strip in the material list when you select it.
Do I need ridge cap shingles?
Yes, ridge cap shingles cover the peaks where two roof planes meet. They are installed over the standard shingles and are made specifically for this purpose. The calculator counts ridge length and includes ridge cap shingles in the material list.
How many nails per shingle?
Most shingle manufacturers require four nails per shingle in the nailing zone. Steep slopes and high wind areas may require six nails. The calculator estimates total nails based on the number of shingles and your local wind speed requirement.
What is the waste factor for shingles?
Simple gable roofs need about 10 percent waste. Hip roofs, valleys and dormers increase waste to 15 or 20 percent. Complex roofs with many angles may need 25 percent. The calculator lets you set the waste percentage based on your roof complexity.