If you’re looking to determine the amount of shingles you need for your roof replacement, then you’ve come to the right place. With the help of our roofing shingle calculator, you’ll easily be able to find out how many shingles it will take to cover your roof as well as receive an accurate cost estimate.
In this article, you’ll learn how to manually measure the surface area of a roof for the total square footage and calculate the amount of materials you need. Then you can check your work with our pricing estimator and get started on your next roofing project.
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How to measure your total roof area
Length x width = square footage
In order to determine the amount of shingles you need for your roof, you’ll need to know the square footage of your roof’s surface. Measurements for the area of the roof will depend on what roof type you may have, whether it’s a gable roof with fewer planes or a hip roof with more.
To find the square footage of your roof, measure the roof length and roof width of each plane, including overhangs, and multiply them together. Then, add up the square footage of each plane. This will give you the total square footage.
Find the square footage of your home with our shingle calculator.
Understanding your roof pitch and roof slope will help you figure out what type of shingles or roofing materials you’ll need.
Shingle terms and measurements
Squares
Often, roofing shingles will be measured in the number of squares of a roof. 1 square is equal to 100 square feet of the roof. To determine the amount of squares you’ll need for your old or new roof, just divide the total square footage by 100. The number of bundles you’ll need for your home will depend on how many squares your roof is.
Bundles
Image source: CertainTeed
Asphalt shingles and most other roof shingles are typically available in bundles. For each roofing square or 100 sq ft, you’ll need three bundles of shingles. The average size of a roof is 30 squares, which typically requires 90 bundles of three-tab shingles or any other starter strips.
Our roofing calculator
Use our roof shingle calculator to measure your roof for shingles.
Before using our roofing calculator, let’s explain how it works. First, you’ll need to enter your address which will show an image of your roof. Then, you’ll be able to choose between several options if you have shingles, tiles, or any metal roofing materials. Once you put in your information, whether you’re a homeowner or a roofing contractor, our roofing calculator will estimate the size and slope of your roof and provide a range of roof costs from low to high.
In summary
Image source: Money
Determining how many shingles, tiles, ridge caps, or any other material you may need for your roofing project can be overwhelming. Whether you plan on hiring a professional roofer or opting for a DIY approach, our shingle calculator and local construction cost data make the job easier. In addition to providing you with the necessary roof dimensions, our shingle calculator also includes a cost guide, so you’ll be able to prepare and have an understanding of how much your roof replacement will cost.