Shingle Calculator
Calculate asphalt shingle bundles needed for your roof. Includes 3-tab, architectural, and premium shingles with waste factors and cost estimates.
Roof Footprint
Shingle Coverage
Shingle Bundles
57 bundles
| Type | Bundles | Lifespan | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab | 57 | 15-20 years | 60-70 mph |
| Architectural | 57 | 25-30 years | 110-130 mph |
| Architectural HD | 76 | 30-40 years | 130 mph |
| Premium/Designer | 76 | 40-50 years | 130+ mph |
- Buy all bundles from the same lot for consistent color
- Store flat, never stack more than 4 bundles high
- Match starter strips and ridge caps to your shingle brand
- Order 10-15% extra for future repairs
- Check if your roof can handle a second layer (max 2 layers allowed)
Related Calculators
About This Calculator
The Shingle Calculator determines exactly how many bundles of asphalt shingles you need for your roofing project—with accurate estimates for starter strips, ridge caps, underlayment, and total material costs. Whether you're replacing an aging roof, building new construction, or bidding a roofing job, this calculator accounts for roof pitch, complexity, waste factors, and shingle type to give you a complete materials list.
Asphalt shingles cover approximately 80% of American homes, making them the most popular roofing choice for good reason: they're affordable, durable (20-50 years depending on type), and available in hundreds of colors and styles. Understanding roofing measurements—squares, bundles, and pitch factors—is essential for accurate ordering.
Enter your roof dimensions, select your shingle type and roof complexity, and get instant results including bundles needed, starter strip and ridge cap quantities, underlayment rolls, and 2026 cost estimates you can take to the home improvement store or use for project bidding.
Trusted Sources
How to Use the Shingle Calculator
- 1Enter your roof dimensions (length and width) or total square footage of the building footprint.
- 2Select your roof pitch from the preset options—this affects total surface area.
- 3Choose your shingle type: 3-tab (economy), architectural (standard), or premium (designer).
- 4Select the complexity of your roof for appropriate waste calculation.
- 5View your results including bundles, squares, starter strips, and ridge caps.
- 6Add underlayment and accessories to your materials list.
- 7Adjust pricing to match your local supplier quotes.
- 8Print or save your complete materials list for ordering.
Understanding Roofing Measurements
What is a Roofing Square?
A roofing square is the standard unit of measurement in the roofing industry. One square equals 100 square feet of roof surface area.
Key Conversions
| Measurement | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 Square | 100 sq ft |
| 1 Bundle | ~33 sq ft (1/3 square) |
| 3 Bundles | 1 Square (100 sq ft) |
Why Bundles, Not Individual Shingles?
Shingles are packaged in bundles for easy handling and inventory. Most standard asphalt shingles come 3 bundles to a square, though some heavy architectural and premium shingles may be 4-5 bundles per square.
Weight considerations:
- 3-tab bundles: 50-65 lbs each
- Architectural bundles: 65-80 lbs each
- Premium bundles: 70-90 lbs each
Shingle Types Compared
3-Tab Shingles (Standard)
The original asphalt shingle design with three visible tabs:
- Lifespan: 15-20 years
- Cost: $25-35 per bundle
- Appearance: Flat, uniform look
- Wind rating: 60-70 mph
- Warranty: 20-25 years
Architectural Shingles (Dimensional)
Multi-layer shingles with a 3D appearance:
- Lifespan: 25-30 years
- Cost: $35-55 per bundle
- Appearance: Textured, dimensional look
- Wind rating: 110-130 mph
- Warranty: 30-50 years
- Most popular choice for residential roofs
Premium/Designer Shingles
High-end shingles that mimic slate, cedar, or tile:
- Lifespan: 30-50 years
- Cost: $55-100+ per bundle
- Appearance: Luxury aesthetic
- Wind rating: 130+ mph
- Warranty: Lifetime limited
Cost Per Square Comparison
| Type | Bundles/Sq | Cost/Bundle | Cost/Square |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab | 3 | $30 | $90 |
| Architectural | 3-4 | $45 | $135-180 |
| Premium | 4-5 | $75 | $300-375 |
Roof Pitch and Material Needs
How Pitch Affects Coverage
A steeper roof has more surface area than the footprint suggests. The pitch factor multiplies your flat roof area to get the actual surface area.
| Pitch | Rise/Run | Factor | 1000 sq ft footprint = |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/12 | Low slope | 1.01 | 1,010 sq ft actual |
| 4/12 | Standard | 1.05 | 1,050 sq ft actual |
| 6/12 | Medium | 1.12 | 1,120 sq ft actual |
| 8/12 | Steep | 1.20 | 1,200 sq ft actual |
| 10/12 | Very steep | 1.30 | 1,300 sq ft actual |
| 12/12 | 45° angle | 1.41 | 1,410 sq ft actual |
Measuring Roof Pitch
- From the attic: Use a level and tape measure. Mark 12" on the level, then measure the vertical rise at that point.
- From outside: Use a pitch gauge or smart phone app from ground level.
- From plans: Check architectural drawings if available.
Waste Factors Explained
Why You Need Extra Shingles
You should always order more shingles than the exact calculated amount:
Simple Roof (5-10% waste):
- Basic gable roof with few penetrations
- Rectangular shape
- Minimal cutting required
Moderate Roof (10-15% waste):
- Hip roof or cross-gable
- A few valleys and penetrations
- Some skylights or vents
Complex Roof (15-20% waste):
- Multiple valleys and hips
- Many dormers or skylights
- Irregular shape
- Lots of cutting and waste
Very Complex (20-25% waste):
- Mansard or gambrel style
- Numerous penetrations
- Turrets or unusual features
Starter Shingles & Ridge Caps
Don't forget these essential components:
- Starter strips: First row at eaves, ~100 lin ft per bundle
- Ridge caps: Cover the peak, ~35 lin ft per bundle
- Both are sold separately from main shingles
2026 Shingle Pricing Guide
Current pricing for asphalt shingles and accessories:
Shingle Prices by Type:
| Type | Cost/Bundle | Cost/Square | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab Standard | $28-38 | $84-114 | 3 bundles/sq |
| Architectural | $40-60 | $120-180 | 3-4 bundles/sq |
| Premium Designer | $70-120 | $280-480 | 4-5 bundles/sq |
| Impact Resistant | $50-80 | $150-240 | 3-4 bundles/sq |
Accessory Costs:
| Item | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Starter strips | bundle | $25-40 |
| Ridge caps | bundle | $35-55 |
| Synthetic underlayment | roll (1000 SF) | $80-150 |
| Ice & water shield | roll (75 SF) | $70-120 |
| Drip edge | 10' piece | $6-12 |
| Roofing nails | 5 lb box | $15-25 |
| Hip/ridge vent | 4' section | $15-25 |
Total Roof Cost Estimates (Materials Only):
| Roof Size | 3-Tab | Architectural | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 squares | $1,500-2,000 | $2,200-3,200 | $4,500-7,500 |
| 25 squares | $2,500-3,200 | $3,500-5,000 | $7,500-12,500 |
| 35 squares | $3,500-4,500 | $5,000-7,000 | $10,500-17,500 |
Professional Installation Adds:
- Labor: $150-350 per square
- Tear-off: $100-150 per square
- Permits: $150-500
- Dumpster: $300-600
Complete Roofing Materials Checklist
A complete roof replacement requires more than just shingles:
Essential Materials:
| Material | How to Calculate |
|---|---|
| Shingles | (Roof area × pitch factor) ÷ 100 = squares |
| Starter strips | Eave perimeter ÷ 100 = bundles |
| Ridge caps | Ridge + hip length ÷ 35 = bundles |
| Underlayment | (Roof area × 1.1) ÷ 1000 = rolls |
| Drip edge | Eave + rake length ÷ 10 = pieces |
| Ice & water shield | Eaves + valleys linear feet ÷ 75 = rolls |
| Roofing nails | 2 lbs per square |
| Flashing | As needed for penetrations |
Example: 2,000 SF Roof (20 squares):
- Shingles: 60-80 bundles (depending on type)
- Starter strips: 2-3 bundles
- Ridge caps: 2-3 bundles
- Underlayment: 2-3 rolls
- Drip edge: 25-30 pieces
- Ice & water shield: 3-4 rolls
- Roofing nails: 40+ lbs
Don't Forget:
- Pipe boots for plumbing vents
- Step flashing for walls
- Valley metal (if using metal valleys)
- Ridge vent (if adding ventilation)
- Caulk and sealants
DIY vs Professional Installation
Consider the trade-offs before tackling a roof yourself:
DIY Roofing Pros:
- Save $3,000-10,000+ on labor
- Control the timeline
- Personal satisfaction
- Learn valuable skills
DIY Roofing Cons:
- Safety risks (falls are serious)
- No warranty on workmanship
- May void shingle warranty if done incorrectly
- Slower (days vs. 1-2 days for pros)
- Quality may suffer
When to DIY:
- Simple gable roof with low pitch
- You have construction experience
- You're comfortable on ladders/roofs
- Single story home
- Helper available
When to Hire Pros:
- Steep pitch (8/12 or greater)
- Multi-story home
- Complex roof with many features
- Time constraints
- No experience with roofing
Cost Comparison (25-square roof):
| Approach | Materials | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full DIY | $4,000-6,000 | $0 | $4,000-6,000 |
| DIY tear-off, pro install | $4,000-6,000 | $4,000-6,000 | $8,000-12,000 |
| Full professional | $4,000-6,000 | $5,500-9,000 | $9,500-15,000 |
Required Tools for DIY:
- Roofing nailer (rent $40-60/day)
- Air compressor
- Pry bar and tear-off tools
- Roofing knife and hook blades
- Chalk line and tape measure
- Safety harness and roof brackets
- Ladder(s)
Regional Climate Considerations
Choose shingles based on your climate for maximum lifespan:
Hot Climate Zones (AZ, TX, FL, NV):
| Feature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Color | Light/reflective colors (reduce heat absorption) |
| Type | Architectural or premium (better heat resistance) |
| Special | "Cool roof" shingles with IR-reflective granules |
| Ventilation | Critical—poor ventilation accelerates aging |
| Expected lifespan | 15-20% shorter than cooler climates |
Cold Climate Zones (MN, WI, ND, Maine):
| Feature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Color | Darker colors (help melt snow) |
| Type | Architectural or impact-resistant |
| Special | Ice & water shield required at eaves |
| Ventilation | Prevents ice dams |
| Additional | Consider impact-resistant for hail |
High-Wind Zones (Coastal, Hurricane Regions):
| Feature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Type | Architectural or premium |
| Wind rating | 130+ mph required |
| Nailing | 6 nails per shingle (high-wind pattern) |
| Sealant | Enhanced adhesive strips |
| Warranty | Verify wind coverage specifically |
High Humidity/Rain Zones (Pacific NW, Southeast):
| Feature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Type | Algae-resistant shingles |
| Color | Lighter colors show algae staining less |
| Special | Copper or zinc granules prevent algae growth |
| Maintenance | Regular gutter cleaning essential |
Understanding Shingle Warranties
Shingle warranties vary significantly—understand what you're getting:
Types of Warranties:
| Warranty Type | Coverage | Duration | Transferable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Limited | Prorated material defects | 20-25 years | Sometimes |
| Enhanced | Non-prorated early years | 30 years | Yes, once |
| Lifetime Limited | Full replacement early, prorated later | 50+ years | Yes, once |
| Contractor Workmanship | Installation errors | 1-10 years | Usually no |
What "Lifetime" Really Means:
- Not truly "forever"—typically covers 40-50 years
- Full replacement usually only first 10-15 years
- Prorated coverage reduces value over time
- May require manufacturer-certified installer
- Often requires complete roofing system (underlayment, vents, etc.)
Common Warranty Exclusions:
- Improper installation (by non-certified contractor)
- Lack of proper ventilation
- Walking damage or falling objects
- Acts of God (varies by warranty)
- Normal wear and weathering
- Moss, algae, or mold (unless specifically covered)
- Installation over existing shingles
Maximizing Warranty Protection:
- Use manufacturer-certified installer for enhanced warranties
- Install complete matching system (underlayment, ridge vents)
- Keep all receipts and register your warranty
- Document installation with photos
- Schedule regular maintenance inspections
- Address any issues promptly and document repairs
Pro Tips
- 💡Buy all your shingles from the same production lot to ensure consistent color matching across your roof—lot numbers are printed on bundles.
- 💡Store shingles flat and covered, never stack more than 4 bundles high to prevent damage and adhesive issues.
- 💡Check shingle compatibility—not all starter strips and ridge caps work with all shingle brands; mismatched products can void warranties.
- 💡Schedule delivery close to your installation date—shingles stored too long (especially in heat) can develop premature adhesion.
- 💡Keep leftover shingles for future repairs—store them flat in a climate-controlled space; they'll match better than new shingles.
- 💡Install in temperatures above 40°F when possible—cold shingles are brittle and crack; hot shingles are soft and scuff easily.
- 💡Always install ice and water shield at eaves (minimum 24" past the interior wall line) in cold climates to prevent ice dam leaks.
- 💡Ensure proper attic ventilation (1 sq ft of vent per 150 sq ft of attic)—poor ventilation causes premature shingle failure.
- 💡Use the correct nailing pattern and placement—nails too high or too low will void warranties and cause failures.
- 💡Don't install shingles in rain or on wet decking—moisture trapped under shingles causes mold and rot.
- 💡Stagger shingle joints by at least 6 inches from course to course to prevent water infiltration at seams.
- 💡Order ridge caps and starter strips separately—they're not included with main shingle bundles and are easy to forget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most asphalt shingles require 3 bundles per square (100 sq ft). However, heavier architectural shingles may require 4 bundles per square, and premium/designer shingles can require 4-5 bundles per square. Always check the coverage listed on the shingle packaging—it varies by manufacturer and product line.
