The conversion
Squares = roof area ÷ 100
Bundles = squares × 3
A 2,000 sq ft roof is 20 squares, so 60 bundles. With 10% extra for cuts and waste you buy 66 bundles. The bundle count per square is printed on the package and in the product data, so use that number for your own product.
Bundles by roof size
These are for 3 bundles per square. The last two columns add 10% and 15% for waste, rounded up.
| Roof area | Squares | Bundles (no waste) | With 10% | With 15% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 800 sq ft | 8 | 24 | 27 | 28 |
| 1,000 sq ft | 10 | 30 | 33 | 35 |
| 1,200 sq ft | 12 | 36 | 40 | 42 |
| 1,500 sq ft | 15 | 45 | 50 | 52 |
| 1,800 sq ft | 18 | 54 | 60 | 63 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 20 | 60 | 66 | 69 |
| 2,400 sq ft | 24 | 72 | 80 | 83 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 30 | 90 | 100 | 104 |
The roof is bigger than the house
Pitch adds area. A 1,500 sq ft footprint is not 15 squares unless the roof is flat. At 6/12 the roof is 1,677 sq ft, or 16.8 squares, which is 56 bundles with 10% extra. At 10/12 it is 1,953 sq ft and 65 bundles.
What else to order
- Starter strips along the eaves and rakes.
- Hip and ridge cap shingles, which are sold in separate bundles and are counted by linear feet of ridge, not by squares.
- Underlayment, nails, drip edge and flashing.
The roof area calculator finds the area from the house size and pitch, and the shingle calculator gives the bundles directly. For a full pitch table, see the roof pitch chart.
Frequently asked questions
How many bundles of shingles make a square?
3 for most 3-tab and architectural shingles. Some premium or oversized lines use 4 or 5, so check the package.
How many square feet does a bundle of shingles cover?
About 33.3 square feet, which is a third of a square.
How many bundles do I need for 2,000 square feet of roof?
60 bundles with no waste, or about 66 with 10% extra.