Short answer: A roofing square covers 100 square feet and most shingles take 3 bundles per square, so one bundle covers about 33 square feet. A roof of 1,677 square feet is 16.8 squares and needs about 56 bundles with 10% extra.
| Roof pitch | Roof area | Squares | Bundles, no waste | Bundles, 10% extra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 in 12 | 1,581 sq ft | 15.8 | 48 | 53 |
| 6 in 12 | 1,677 sq ft | 16.8 | 51 | 56 |
| 8 in 12 | 1,803 sq ft | 18 | 55 | 60 |
| 10 in 12 | 1,953 sq ft | 19.5 | 59 | 65 |
| 12 in 12 | 2,121 sq ft | 21.2 | 64 | 71 |
Why the roof is bigger than the house
A sloped roof has more surface than the floor under it. To find the roof area from the footprint, multiply by a pitch factor: about 1.05 for a 4 in 12 pitch, 1.12 for 6 in 12, 1.20 for 8 in 12, 1.30 for 10 in 12 and 1.41 for 12 in 12. The overhang at the eaves adds more.
A one-story house with 2,000 square feet of floor space and a 6 in 12 pitch has about 2,236 square feet of roof before overhangs, which is about 22 squares.
Check the label on your shingles
Most three-tab and architectural shingles come at 3 bundles per square, but heavier designer shingles can take 4 or 5. The bundle label states the coverage. Hips, valleys, ridges and starter strips use extra material, so add 10 to 15 percent for a roof with several of them, and buy ridge caps separately.
Worked example
A house with a 1,500 sq ft footprint and a 6 in 12 pitch has a roof of 1,677 square feet, which is 16.8 squares. That takes 50.3 bundles. Adding 10% for waste gives 55.3, so order 56 bundles.
Use the Roofing CalculatorEnter your own measurements and get an exact amount.
Frequently asked questions
How many squares is a 2,000 square foot roof?
20 squares, since one square is 100 square feet. That is 60 bundles at 3 per square, before waste.
How many bundles of shingles cover 1,000 square feet?
30 bundles at 3 per square, or 33 with 10% extra.
Is a roofing square the same as a square foot?
No. A square is 100 square feet.
How do I measure my roof if I cannot climb on it?
Measure the footprint from the ground, then multiply by the pitch factor and add the overhang. The calculator does this when you enter the pitch.
Related calculators
Figures are typical planning values. Material sizes, densities and local requirements vary, so confirm with your supplier before ordering.
Last updated October 11, 2026.