If you’re planning to replace or install a new roof, one of the key steps is figuring out how many shingle squares you need. A Shingle Square Calculator simplifies this process by converting your total roof area into the number of squares or bundles required for your project.
Whether you're a roofing contractor or a DIY homeowner, this calculator helps you save money and avoid over- or under-purchasing materials.
Formula for Shingle Squares
A shingle square is a roofing term that represents 100 square feet of roof area.
Total Squares=100Roof Area (sq ft)
Formula for Shingle Bundles
Typically, 3 bundles of shingles are required to cover one square (100 sq ft).
You can calculate the number of bundles needed using this formula:
Total Bundles=Coverage per Bundle (sq ft)Roof Area (sq ft)
Including Waste Percentage
Roofing projects usually include 5–10% waste to account for cutting and fitting shingles around edges and corners.
Total Roof Area with Waste=Roof Area×(1+100Waste Percentage)
Example Calculation
Let’s say you have the following values:
- Roof Area = 1,500 sq ft
- Shingle Coverage per Bundle = 33.3 sq ft
- Waste Percentage = 10%
Step 1: Add waste area
Total Roof Area=1500×(1+10010)=1650 sq ft
Step 2: Calculate squares
Total Squares=1001650=16.5 squares
Step 3: Calculate bundles
Total Bundles=33.31650=49.55≈50 bundles
Result:
You’ll need 16.5 squares or 50 bundles of shingles to complete your 1,500 sq ft roof with 10% waste included.
Why Use a Shingle Square Calculator?
- Saves time by automating manual calculations.
- Ensures accurate material estimation.
- Prevents overspending on extra shingles.
- Helps you plan delivery and labor efficiently.
FAQs
1. What does one shingle square mean?
A shingle square is a standard roofing measurement that equals 100 square feet of roof area, regardless of the shape or slope of the roof.
2. How many bundles of shingles make one square?
Typically, three bundles of standard asphalt shingles cover one square (100 sq ft). However, some premium or designer shingles may require four bundles per square.
3. How do I calculate shingle squares from my roof size?
Simply divide your total roof area (in square feet) by 100.
Total Squares=100Roof Area (sq ft)
4. Why do roofers use shingle squares instead of square feet?
Using squares simplifies roofing estimates — it allows contractors and suppliers to communicate material quantities quickly and consistently.
5. Do I need to include waste when calculating shingle squares?
Yes, you should add 5–10% extra to your total for waste due to cutting, fitting, and overlapping shingles on edges, hips, and ridges.
6. Is one square the same for all roofing materials?
The square always equals 100 sq ft of roof area, but the number of bundles or panels needed to cover a square can vary based on material type (asphalt, tile, metal, etc.).
7. How many shingles are in a bundle?
On average, a bundle contains 20 to 30 shingles, depending on size and brand — enough to cover approximately 33.3 sq ft.
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