How many shingles do I need?
Start with total roof area, add a waste allowance, then divide by the coverage supplied by one bundle of shingles.
Roof shingle example
A 1,500-square-foot roof with 10% waste becomes 1,650 square feet. With 33.3 square feet of coverage per bundle, approximately 50 bundles are required.
Bundle coverage differs between products. Use the manufacturer's stated coverage for final ordering.
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet are in a roofing square?
100 square feet.
How many bundles make one square?
It varies by product. Many common shingles use roughly three bundles per square, but product specifications should be checked.
Why include waste?
Cutting, valleys, hips and roof complexity can increase material requirements.
Using this calculator effectively
The shingle calculator converts roof area into roofing squares and estimated bundle quantities. It is intended for material planning once the actual sloped roof area is already known.
Common uses
- Estimating shingle bundles for a measured roof area.
- Converting square feet into roofing squares.
- Adding a waste allowance for cuts and roof complexity.
Tips for a better estimate
- Use sloped roof area, not just building footprint area.
- Check the manufacturer's bundles-per-square figure for the exact shingle product.
- Increase waste where valleys, hips or complex intersections create more offcuts.
Helpful guides
Related calculations
Roofing Calculator · Roof Pitch Calculator · Roof Slope Calculator