Shingle Calculator
Estimate asphalt shingle bundles, squares, and weight — adjusted for pitch, type, and waste.
Your Shingle Estimate
- Measure from the ground — enter building length and width. The pitch multiplier handles the slope math.
- Select your pitch — 4/12 is most common. Steeper pitch = more shingles.
- Choose shingle type — architectural is the current standard. 3-tab is budget, designer is premium.
- Set waste factor — 10% for simple roofs, 15%+ for hip roofs and complex shapes.
- Order extra — buy 1–2 extra bundles for ridge caps, starter strips, and future repairs.
How Many Bundles of Shingles Do I Need?
Three bundles of asphalt shingles cover one roofing "square" — that's 100 square feet of roof surface. To find your bundle count: calculate total roof area (footprint × pitch multiplier), add waste, divide by 100 to get squares, then multiply by 3.
Keep in mind that starter strip shingles (for the eave edge) and hip/ridge cap shingles are ordered separately. Budget one bundle of starter per 60–80 linear feet of eaves and one bundle of ridge caps per 30–35 linear feet of hips and ridges.
Bundle Counts by Roof Size
| Roof Footprint | Pitch | Squares | Bundles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 ft² | 4/12 | 11.6 | 35 |
| 1,500 ft² | 4/12 | 17.4 | 53 |
| 1,500 ft² | 6/12 | 18.4 | 56 |
| 2,000 ft² | 4/12 | 23.2 | 70 |
| 2,000 ft² | 8/12 | 26.4 | 80 |
| 2,500 ft² | 6/12 | 30.7 | 93 |
| 3,000 ft² | 6/12 | 36.9 | 111 |
Includes 10% waste. Starter strips and ridge caps not included — order those separately.
Shingle Types Compared
The three main tiers of asphalt shingles differ in durability, appearance, and cost:
| Type | Weight/Square | Lifespan | Cost/Square | Wind Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab | 210 lb | 20–25 years | $80–$110 | 60–70 mph |
| Architectural | 280 lb | 25–30 years | $100–$150 | 110–130 mph |
| Premium/Designer | 350+ lb | 30–50 years | $200–$400 | 130+ mph |
Architectural shingles have become the industry standard — the price gap over 3-tab has narrowed while offering substantially better wind resistance and curb appeal.
Formulas Used
Standard roofing math:
Total area = Roof area × (1 + Waste %)
Squares = Total area ÷ 100
Bundles = Squares × 3
Each bundle weighs 60–80 lb depending on type. Plan your staging and how you'll get bundles onto the roof.
Related Calculators
Order shingles after confirming roof area and pitch. Browse the construction calculator collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many square feet does one bundle of shingles cover?
One bundle covers approximately 33.3 square feet — one-third of a roofing square. Three bundles cover one full square (100 sq ft). Some heavy designer shingles may require 4–5 bundles per square — check the manufacturer label.
Do I need to tear off old shingles first?
Most building codes allow one layer of new shingles over one existing layer (a re-roof or overlay). A second overlay is allowed in some jurisdictions if the decking is sound. Beyond that, or if the existing shingles are curling, damaged, or hiding rot, a full tear-off is required. A tear-off adds $1–$2/ft² to project cost but gives you the chance to inspect and repair the decking underneath.
How long do asphalt shingles last?
Standard 3-tab shingles last 15–20 years. Architectural (dimensional) shingles are rated for 25–30 years and are the most popular choice for new roofs. Premium shingles carry 40–50 year warranties. Actual lifespan depends heavily on ventilation, installation quality, climate, and sun exposure. South-facing slopes degrade faster than north-facing ones in most climates.
How many bundles of shingles do I need per square?
Standard 3-tab shingles use 3 bundles per square (100 ft²). Architectural shingles also typically use 3 bundles per square, though some heavy-weight products use 4 bundles per square. Always verify with the product packaging. Each bundle weighs 60–80 lbs — factor this into delivery and handling logistics for larger roofs.
Do I need ridge cap and starter strips?
Most roofing jobs use starter strips along eaves/rakes and ridge cap shingles at peaks and hips. They are often sold separately from field shingles, so include them in your materials list if your roof design requires them.