CostArchitect Shingle quantity guide
How Many Shingles Do I Need?
Calculate how many shingles you need by roof area, squares, bundle coverage, pitch, waste factor, starter strip, ridge cap, and underlayment.
Step 1: convert area to squares
Roofing squares = roof surface area divided by 100. A 2,000 sq ft roof is about 20 squares before waste.
Step 2: add waste
Simple roofs often use 7 to 10 percent waste. Complex roofs with valleys, dormers, or steep pitch may need 12 to 18 percent.
Step 3: convert to bundles
Most asphalt shingles use about three bundles per square, but product coverage varies by manufacturer and line.
Material planning checklist
- Measured roof surface area
- Waste factor based on complexity
- Bundle coverage from the product wrapper
- Starter strip quantity
- Ridge cap quantity
- Underlayment roll coverage
Related calculators and guides
FAQ
How many bundles of shingles are in a square?
Most asphalt products use about three bundles per roofing square, but exact coverage varies by manufacturer, shingle profile, and package.
How many shingles do I need for a 2,000 sq ft roof?
A 2,000 sq ft roof is about 20 squares before waste. With 10 percent waste and three bundles per square, planning quantity is about 66 bundles.
Should starter strip and ridge cap be counted separately?
Yes. Starter strip and ridge cap products may have different coverage, so keep them separate from field shingles when ordering.
What waste factor should I use?
Use 7 to 10 percent for simple roofs and 12 to 18 percent or more for roofs with valleys, dormers, steep pitch, or many cuts.