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.

Your results

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.

Shingles = Bundles × shingles per bundle · Bundles = Squares × 3 · Squares = Area ÷ 100

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.

Worked example

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.