Shingle Calculator
Count individual shingles by type (3-tab, architectural, or designer) after converting footprint and pitch to squares and bundles. Use this when the bundle label lists shingles per bundle; use Roofing Shingle Calculator when you only need bundles and squares.
Enter your measurements to see what to buy.
How to calculate it
Count individual shingles by type (3-tab, architectural, or designer) after converting footprint and pitch to squares and bundles. Use this when the bundle label lists shingles per bundle; use Roofing Shingle Calculator when you only need bundles and squares.
Source: Roofing is measured in squares (100 ft²); 3 bundles per square. Shingles per bundle: 3-tab ≈ 26, architectural ≈ 21, designer ≈ 14. Pitch factor converts footprint to true surface area.
A 30×40 ft roof (1,200 ft²) at 6/12 pitch (×1.118) with 10% waste: 1,476 ft² = 14.8 squares × 3 = 45 bundles. Architectural shingles at 21 per bundle = 945 shingles.
Want the full step-by-step walkthrough? Read our How to Calculate Shingles for a Roof.
Purchasing & waste guidance
- 3-tab shingles: about 26 per bundle, 3 bundles per square.
- Architectural (laminated) shingles: about 21 per bundle, 3 bundles per square.
- Designer/luxury shingles: about 14 per bundle — fewer shingles, more coverage each.
- Add 10% waste for a simple gable roof, 15% for hips, valleys and dormers.
- Order matching starter strips, ridge cap shingles, underlayment and drip edge separately.
Assumptions & what’s included
- Footprint is the building length × width per roof plane (including overhangs).
- Pitch factor converts footprint to true surface area; 3 bundles per square.
- Shingles per bundle: 3-tab ≈ 26, architectural ≈ 21, designer ≈ 14 — confirm on the bundle label.
- Waste covers cuts, valleys and starter/ridge. Price is per bundle and optional.
Frequently asked questions
How many shingles do I need for 1,000 sq ft?
1,000 ft² of roof surface is 10 squares, or 30 bundles. That is about 780 three-tab shingles (26 per bundle) or 630 architectural shingles (21 per bundle). Add 10% waste for a simple gable roof.
How many shingles are in a bundle?
It depends on the type. 3-tab shingles run about 26 per bundle, architectural about 21, and designer/luxury about 14. Three bundles make one square (100 ft²) for standard shingles.
How do I calculate how many shingles I need?
Multiply your roof footprint by the pitch factor to get true surface area, divide by 100 for squares, multiply by 3 for bundles, then multiply bundles by the shingles per bundle for your type. The calculator does all of this for you.
Related guides
Step-by-step project guides that use this calculator.
