Roofing Calculator
How to Estimate Roofing Materials
Replacing a roof is a significant home improvement project, and accurate estimation is crucial to avoid overspending on materials or running short in the middle of the job. This calculator helps you determine the exact amount of shingles needed based on your home's footprint and roof design.
Understanding Roof Pitch
The "pitch" of a roof refers to its slope, specifically how many inches the roof rises for every 12 inches of horizontal run. A steeper roof has a larger surface area than a flat roof covering the same home footprint. Our calculator uses a pitch multiplier to convert your ground-floor square footage into actual roof area.
What are Roofing Squares?
In the roofing industry, materials are measured in "squares." One square equals 100 square feet of roof area. When you talk to contractors or suppliers, they will almost always quote prices per square.
Calculating Bundles
Standard architectural asphalt shingles usually come in bundles. Typically, it takes 3 bundles to cover one square (100 sq ft). However, this can vary slightly by brand or shingle type, so always check the manufacturer's packaging. This calculator assumes the industry standard of 3 bundles per square.
The Importance of Waste Factor
You should never order exactly the amount of material the math dictates. You need extra material to account for:
- Cutting shingles to fit valleys and hips.
- Starter rows along the eaves.
- Ridge caps at the peak.
- Mistakes during installation.
A simple gable roof might only need 5% waste, while a complex roof with dormers and multiple valleys may require 15-20% extra.