Roofing Square Tool

Order with precision. Estimate the number of roofing "squares" (100 sq ft) needed for your project, adjusted for pitch and waste.

Rise over run: how many inches it rises for every 12 inches it runs.
Account for cuts and overlapping (10-15% recommended).
Total Roofing Squares
14.3

Total Area: 1,425 sq ft

Shingle Bundles
43
Rolls of Felt
4

What is a Roofing Square?

I genuinely believe that consistency in terminology is key to a successful renovation. In the roofing industry, materials are sold by the "Square." One square is exactly **100 square feet** of roof surface. Understanding this helps you communicate effectively with contractors and ensures you don't overpay for materials.

The Pitch Factor: A flat roof has a pitch factor of 1.0. As the roof gets steeper, the surface area increases even if the footprint of the house stays the same. A 12/12 pitch (45 degrees) adds roughly 41% more surface area to your roof compared to a flat roof.

Material Estimates:

  • Shingles: Usually sold in bundles. It typically takes **3 bundles** to cover 1 square.
  • Underlayment: Standard rolls of #15 or #30 felt cover between 2 and 4 squares depending on the brand and overlap.
  • Drip Edge: Measure the perimeter of your roof (eaves and rakes) to calculate linear footage.