Roofing Squares Calculator

A roofing square is 100 square feet of roof surface. Enter your home's footprint and roof pitch to estimate how many squares of shingles you need, including waste.

Free, no signup. Updated September 2026

sq ft
%
sq ft

Result

  • Roof surface area
  • Squares before waste
  • Squares to order
  • Shingle bundles

Results are rounded for ordering. Check product labels for exact coverage.

How to use this

The pitch multiplier converts flat footprint into sloped surface area. A 6/12 roof has about 12% more surface than its footprint; a 12/12 roof has about 41% more.

Complex roofs with many valleys and dormers need 15% or more waste; simple gable roofs can use 10%.

Ready to price the job? Try the Roof Replacement cost calculator for installed prices with materials and labor.

Common questions

What is a roofing square?

One square equals 100 square feet of roof surface. Roofers price materials and labor per square.

How many bundles of shingles are in a square?

Most architectural shingles come three bundles per square. Some heavier products need four.

How do I find my roof pitch?

Measure how many inches the roof rises over 12 inches of horizontal run, from inside the attic or with a level on the roof.

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