Shingle calculator
Bundles of shingles, starter, ridge cap and underlayment from the roof area.
Shingle bundles
0 bundles
How it works
roof area = footprint x slope factor (skip this when the area is already sloped) squares = roof area / 100 x (1 + waste) bundles = squares x bundles per square, rounded up starter = eaves and rakes / feet per bundle ridge cap = ridges and hips / feet per bundle
A measurement report gives the roof area along the slope, which is what shingles cover. If you only have the house footprint, pick the pitch and the calculator multiplies by the slope factor; a 6/12 roof is about 1.12 times its footprint.
Most three-tab and architectural shingles come three bundles to the square. Some heavy designer shingles take four or five, and the wrapper says which. Starter and ridge cap are sold as their own bundles, so they are counted from the edge lengths rather than from the waste.
Choosing a waste factor
| Roof | Waste |
|---|---|
| Plain gable | 10% |
| Hip roof, or a few valleys | 15% |
| Cut up, with dormers and many valleys | 20% |
Questions
- How many bundles of shingles are in a square?
- Three for most three-tab and architectural shingles. Some heavier designer lines take four or five, and it is printed on the wrapper.
- Does the waste cover starter and ridge cap?
- No. Starter strips and ridge cap come in their own bundles, so this counts them from the length of the eaves, rakes, ridges and hips.
- What waste factor should I use?
- 10% for a plain gable, 15% for a hip roof or one with valleys, and 20% for a cut-up roof with dormers.
- Where do I get the roof area?
- From a measurement report, from measuring each plane, or from RoofTools, which measures every plane from public LiDAR when you type the address.
More roof calculators
Skip the tape measure
Type an address and RoofTools measures the roof from public LiDAR: every plane's pitch, direction and sloped area, the total in squares, and sun and shade for a solar layout. Then you can fix any plane in the editor.
Want someone to do the job?
Tell us where and when, and we'll put you in touch with a roofer or solar installer near you. No account needed.