How Many Bundles of Shingles Are in a Square?
A roofing square is 100 sq ft, and most asphalt shingles come 3 bundles to a square, so each bundle covers about 33.3 sq ft. A 2,000 sq ft roof is 20 squares, or 60 bundles before waste and 66 to 69 bundles once you add 10 to 15% for waste. The roofing calculator works out bundles from your house size and roof pitch.
Bundles per square by shingle type
| Shingle type | Bundles per square | Each bundle covers |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab | 3 | 33.3 sq ft |
| Architectural (dimensional) | 3 (some brands 4) | 25–33.3 sq ft |
| Premium / designer (slate or shake look) | 4–5 | 20–25 sq ft |
| Ridge cap | Sold by length | About 20–35 linear ft |
Heavier shingles are packed fewer per bundle so a bundle stays liftable, which is why premium lines need more bundles per square. The wrapper always prints the coverage, so check it before you order.
Bundles for common roof sizes
For 3-bundle-per-square shingles. Use 10% waste for a simple gable roof and 15% for a hip roof or one with valleys and dormers.
| Roof area | Squares | Bundles (10% waste) | Bundles (15% waste) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 10 | 33 | 35 |
| 1,200 sq ft | 12 | 40 | 42 |
| 1,500 sq ft | 15 | 50 | 52 |
| 1,800 sq ft | 18 | 60 | 63 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 20 | 66 | 69 |
| 2,500 sq ft | 25 | 83 | 87 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 30 | 99 | 104 |
Roof area is not house square footage
The biggest mistake is using the house's floor area. The roof is bigger: it overhangs the walls and it slopes. A 1,500 sq ft single-story house with a 6/12 pitch and 1 ft eaves has roughly 1,900 sq ft of roof. See how to measure a roof for shingles for the full method, or let the roofing calculator apply the pitch for you.
How many bundles are on a pallet?
Pallet counts vary by brand and weight. Architectural shingles often ship around 40 to 42 bundles per pallet, which is roughly 13 to 14 squares. Ask the supplier, since roof delivery is usually priced by the pallet or the square.
Other things you'll order by the square
- Underlayment: synthetic rolls usually cover 10 squares each.
- Nails: about 320 per square at 4 nails per shingle, more in high-wind areas.
- Starter strip and drip edge: measured along the eaves and rakes, not by the square.