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Roofing Calculator

Calculate roof area, roofing squares, shingle bundles, and total cost from your building footprint and roof pitch.

Input Parameters

Roof Area (sq ft)

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Roofing Squares

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Shingle Bundles

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Estimated Cost

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Detailed Breakdown

Pitch Multiplier

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Base Area

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Waste Area

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Felt Rolls (15#)

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Drip Edge (ft)

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Nails (lbs)

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About This Calculator

This roofing calculator converts your building footprint to actual roof area using pitch multipliers. A roofing "square" covers 100 sq ft, and each square typically requires 3 bundles of standard three-tab shingles. The waste factor accounts for cuts, valleys, and hips.

Adds your roofing takeoff into the Construction Estimate Builder.

How Roofing Estimates Work

1

Measure the Footprint

Measure the length and width of your building at ground level. Multiply to get the total footprint in square feet. For complex shapes, break into rectangles and add them.

2

Apply the Pitch Multiplier

Roof pitch (rise over 12" run) determines how much larger the roof surface is vs. the flat footprint. A 4/12 pitch adds about 5.4%; a 12/12 (45-degree) pitch adds 41.4%.

3

Calculate Squares and Bundles

One roofing "square" = 100 sq ft. Standard 3-tab shingles require 3 bundles per square. Architectural shingles may need 4-5 bundles per square. Always add 10-15% for waste.

Common Roof Pitch Guide

2/12 - 3/12 (Low slope) - Nearly flat. Common on commercial buildings. May require rolled roofing or membrane instead of shingles.
4/12 - 6/12 (Standard) - Most residential homes. Walkable for experienced roofers. Standard shingles work perfectly.
7/12 - 9/12 (Steep) - Common in snow regions. Requires roof jacks for safety. Labor cost increases 15-25%.
10/12 - 12/12 (Very steep) - Dramatic look, excellent snow shedding. Requires scaffolding. Labor premium of 25-50%.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bundles per square?

Standard 3-tab shingles: 3 bundles/square. Architectural shingles: 4-5 bundles/square. Always buy an extra bundle or two for ridge caps and mistakes.

What does "cost per square" include?

Material cost per square varies: $80-$100 for 3-tab, $100-$150 for architectural, $250-$400 for metal. Labor adds $150-$300 per square depending on pitch and region.

Should I add underlayment cost?

Yes. Synthetic underlayment runs $0.15-$0.25/sq ft. Ice and water shield for eaves costs $1-$2/sq ft. Budget about $50-$75 per square for underlayment.

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