🏠 Roof Shingle Calculator
Calculate shingles and bundles needed for your roof
Enter 0 for flat roof
Typically 10-15% for waste, cuts, and overlaps
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Roof Dimensions
Input the roof length and width in feet. For gabled roofs, measure the length and width of the roof footprint.
Enter Roof Pitch
Input the roof pitch in inches per 12 inches of run. For example, enter "6" for a 6/12 pitch. Enter 0 for flat roofs.
Select Shingle Type
Choose your shingle type: 3-tab, architectural, laminated, slate, or cedar shakes. Each type has different coverage per square.
Set Waste Percentage
Enter waste percentage (typically 10-15%). Click "Calculate Shingles" to see bundles, squares, and shingles needed.
Formula
Roof Area = 2 × Rafter Length × Roof Length
Rafter Length = √(Run² + Rise²)
Squares = (Roof Area × (1 + Waste%)) / 100
Bundles = Squares × Bundles per Square
Example: 40 ft × 30 ft roof, 6/12 pitch, 3-tab shingles, 10% waste
Step 1: Rafter length = √(15² + 7.5²) = 16.77 feet
Step 2: Roof area = 2 × 16.77 × 40 = 1,342 sq ft
Step 3: With waste: 1,342 × 1.10 = 1,476 sq ft
Step 4: Squares = 1,476 / 100 = 14.76 squares
Step 5: Bundles = 14.76 × 3 = 45 bundles
Step 6: Shingles = 14.76 × 80 = 1,181 shingles
About Roof Shingle Calculator
The Roof Shingle Calculator is an essential tool for homeowners, contractors, and roofers who need to calculate shingles and bundles needed for roofing projects. This calculator eliminates guesswork by providing precise shingle calculations based on roof dimensions, pitch, shingle type, and waste factor, helping you order the correct amount of materials.
When to Use This Calculator
- Material Planning: Calculate shingles and bundles needed for roofing projects
- Cost Estimation: Estimate material costs based on shingle quantities
- Order Planning: Determine exact quantities to order from suppliers
- Project Budgeting: Budget for shingle materials accurately
- Waste Management: Account for waste, cuts, and overlaps
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Accurate Calculations: Precise shingle calculations using standard roofing formulas
- ✅ Multiple Shingle Types: Supports 3-tab, architectural, laminated, slate, and cedar shakes
- ✅ Pitch Adjustment: Automatically adjusts for roof pitch
- ✅ Waste Factor: Customizable waste percentage for accurate ordering
- ✅ Time Savings: Instant calculations eliminate manual math
Understanding Shingles and Bundles
Roofing Square: A roofing square equals 100 square feet. Shingles are typically sold by the square, with most types covering one square per bundle configuration. The calculator converts roof area to squares.
Shingle Types: 3-tab shingles are the most economical (80 shingles per square, 3 bundles), while architectural shingles are premium (65 shingles per square, 4 bundles). Slate and cedar shakes have different coverage rates.
Waste Factor: Always add 10-15% extra shingles for waste from cuts, overlaps, starter courses, ridge caps, and future repairs. Complex roofs with many valleys and hips require more waste.
Tips for Best Results
- Measure Accurately: Use accurate roof measurements for precise shingle calculations
- Account for Waste: Add 10-15% waste for typical roofs, 15-20% for complex roofs
- Consider Valleys: Roofs with valleys and hips require extra shingles
- Order Extra: Order 1-2 extra bundles for repairs and color matching
- Check Local Prices: Shingle prices vary by region—verify with local suppliers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many shingles do I need for my roof?
It depends on roof size, pitch, and shingle type. For example, a 2,000 sq ft roof with 6/12 pitch using 3-tab shingles: 2,000 × 1.10 = 2,200 sq ft = 22 squares = 66 bundles. Use the calculator with your specific dimensions for exact quantities.
How many bundles in a square of shingles?
It depends on shingle type: 3-tab shingles = 3 bundles per square, architectural/laminated/slate = 4 bundles per square, cedar shakes = 6 bundles per square. Always verify with your shingle manufacturer's specifications.
How many shingles per square?
It varies by shingle type: 3-tab = 80 shingles per square, architectural/laminated = 65 shingles per square, slate = 100 shingles per square. Cedar shakes are sold by bundle (200 per bundle). The calculator accounts for these differences.
How much waste should I add?
Typical waste is 10-15% for simple roofs, 15-20% for complex roofs with valleys and hips. The calculator defaults to 10% but allows you to adjust based on roof complexity. Always add extra for starter courses and ridge caps.
What's the difference between 3-tab and architectural shingles?
3-tab shingles are flat, economical shingles (80 per square, 3 bundles). Architectural shingles are thicker, premium shingles with dimensional appearance (65 per square, 4 bundles). Architectural shingles cost more but last longer and look better.