Shingle Calculator
Measure each roof plane, add the waste for your roof's shape and get the bundles of shingles, starter strip and ridge cap to buy.
Bundles = roof area ÷ 100 × 3, plus 10–15% waste. One bundle of standard shingles covers about 33⅓ sq ft, so a 2,000 sq ft roof needs 66 bundles with 10% waste. Measure each roof plane: a rectangle is eave length × slope length; a triangular hip end is half that; a hip side is (eave + ridge) ÷ 2 × slope length.
Shingle bundles by roof area
| Roof area | Squares (+10%) | Bundles | Bundles (+15%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 11.0 | 33 | 35 |
| 1,500 sq ft | 16.5 | 50 | 52 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 22.0 | 66 | 69 |
| 2,500 sq ft | 27.5 | 83 | 87 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 33.0 | 99 | 104 |
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet does a bundle of shingles cover?
About 33⅓ sq ft for standard 3-tab and architectural shingles (3 bundles per 100 sq ft square). Check the wrapper: heavier shingles can cover 25 sq ft or less.
How much waste should I add for shingles?
About 10% for a simple gable roof and 15% for hips, valleys and dormers. Complex roofs with many cuts can need 20%.
How do I measure a roof for shingles?
Measure each plane's eave length and slope length (eave to ridge). Rectangles are length × slope; triangles are half of that; trapezoids are the average of the eave and ridge lengths × slope. Or use the roofing calculator from the house's footprint and pitch.
Do I need starter shingles?
Yes. Starter strip goes along the eaves (and the rakes for most brands) so the first course is sealed and the joints are covered. Plan on about one bundle per 100–120 ft.
How many nails per bundle of shingles?
About 100 nails per bundle at 4 nails per shingle, or 160 at 6 nails for high-wind areas.
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Plane area: (eave + top edge) ÷ 2 × slope length, which covers rectangles, triangles and trapezoids. 3 bundles per square for standard shingles (4 for heavy designer shingles); starter about 105 ft and ridge cap about 25 ft per bundle (brands vary). See the shingle wrapper and the ARMA installation guidance.