Materials Calculators

Shingle Calculator

Shingles are sold by the bundle, and it takes about three bundles to cover a roofing square (100 sq ft). Enter your roof area for the bundles to buy, with a waste allowance.

Actual roof surface area. Only have the footprint? Use the roofing calculator to add the pitch.

≈3 for most 3-tab and architectural shingles; heavier/designer shingles run 4–5. Check the wrapper.

10% simple roof; 15%+ for many hips, valleys, and cuts.

Shingle bundles

57bundles

Squares
17 squares

How it’s calculated

Squares = roof area ÷ 100. Bundles = squares × (1 + waste) × bundles per square, rounded up. Most shingles run three bundles to a square; the wrapper gives the exact figure, so this calculator lets you set it.

Worked example

A 1,700 sq ft roof = 17 squares. At 3 bundles/square + 10% waste: 17 × 1.10 × 3 = 56.1 → 57 bundles.

FAQs

How many bundles of shingles in a square?
Usually 3 for standard 3-tab and most architectural shingles, so a bundle covers about 33 sq ft. Heavier designer or luxury shingles can take 4–5 bundles per square — the wrapper states the coverage.
3-tab vs architectural — does the count change?
Coverage is similar (around 3 bundles per square for both), so the bundle math is the same; architectural shingles are heavier, thicker, and longer-lasting. Always confirm the coverage printed on the bundle you're buying.
Do I need anything besides field shingles?
Yes — buy starter strip for the eaves and rakes and ridge-cap shingles for the hips and ridges separately. They're not included in this bundle count, and underlayment is separate too.

Sources

  • Squares = roof area ÷ 100 (roofing square = 100 sq ft). Bundles = squares × (1 + waste) × bundles per square, rounded up. Bundles/square is product-specific (≈3 typical) — entered, not assumed.

Related calculators