how many packs of shingles in a square

by | Mar 19, 2025 | Blog

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How Many Packs of Shingles in a Square? Your Ultimate Guide by S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC

When it comes to roofing, one of the most common questions homeowners and contractors ask is, “How many packs of shingles are in a square?” Understanding this measurement is crucial for planning a roofing project, budgeting, and ensuring you order the correct materials. If you’ve ever been confused by roofing terminology or are unsure how to calculate the right amount of shingles for your home or business, this guide will break it all down for you.

At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we specialize in roofing services in Northeast Ohio, including Youngstown, Medina, and Cleveland. With our expertise and commitment to quality, we aim to provide you with valuable knowledge so that you can make informed decisions about your roofing project. Let’s dive into the world of roofing measurements and how to determine how many packs of shingles are in a square.

What Is a Square in Roofing?

Before we can answer the question of how many packs of shingles are in a square, we need to first understand what a “square” means in the roofing industry. In roofing, a square is a unit of measurement that represents an area of 100 square feet. This is the standard measurement used to quantify shingles, roof materials, and other roofing products.

A square doesn’t refer to the shape of the roof but to the total area of the roof’s surface. For example, if you have a roof that measures 20 feet by 25 feet, that roof would have an area of 500 square feet, which is equivalent to five squares of roofing material.

Understanding this measurement is essential because most roofing materials, including shingles, are sold by the square. So, knowing how to calculate your roof’s square footage will help you figure out how many shingles you need.

How Many Packs of Shingles Are in a Square?

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: how many packs of shingles are in a square? The answer depends on the type of shingles you’re using. However, in most cases, a standard bundle of asphalt shingles covers about 33.3 square feet. So, to cover a full square (100 square feet), you will typically need three bundles of shingles.

Here’s how it breaks down:

  • 1 square = 100 square feet
  • 1 bundle of shingles = 33.3 square feet
  • 3 bundles of shingles = 1 square

So, for every square of roofing material you need, you will generally require three bundles of shingles.

Why the Difference Between Squares and Bundles?

You may wonder why shingles are sold in bundles rather than squares. The reason for this is due to the way shingles are packaged. When you purchase roofing shingles, they are typically stacked and packaged in bundles, which makes them easier to transport and handle. A bundle consists of multiple shingles, and the number of shingles in each bundle varies depending on the manufacturer and the style of shingle. The standard asphalt shingle bundle, for example, contains around 21 shingles, which covers about 33.3 square feet.

While it may seem like a simple conversion, it’s essential to understand this to avoid under-ordering or over-ordering shingles for your roofing project.

Different Types of Shingles and Their Coverage

As mentioned earlier, the most common shingles used in residential roofing are asphalt shingles. However, there are other types of shingles, and each type may have different coverage amounts. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

1. Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in residential properties. These shingles are affordable, durable, and available in a variety of styles and colors. The standard three-tab asphalt shingle bundle typically covers 33.3 square feet.

2. Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional or laminated shingles, are thicker and heavier than standard asphalt shingles. Because they are larger and provide more coverage, each bundle may cover a slightly smaller area—typically around 28 square feet. Therefore, you might need about 3.5 bundles per square when using architectural shingles.

3. Wood Shingles or Shakes

Wood shingles or shakes are another option for homeowners looking for a natural look. These types of shingles tend to be thicker and are often used in more upscale roofing applications. A bundle of wood shingles may cover approximately 25 to 30 square feet, meaning you could need between 3.5 to 4 bundles per square depending on the exact type and thickness.

4. Slate Shingles

Slate shingles are a premium roofing material known for their durability and aesthetic appeal. Since slate is a heavier and denser material, each bundle typically covers 10 to 15 square feet, meaning that you could need between 6 to 10 bundles per square depending on the slate’s thickness.

5. Metal Roofing Panels

Metal roofing panels are becoming increasingly popular for both residential and commercial applications. They are typically sold by the panel, and the coverage per square depends on the panel’s size and type. On average, metal roofing may cover around 100 square feet per square, but it’s essential to check with the manufacturer for specific coverage.

Calculating the Number of Squares for Your Roof

To determine how many squares of roofing material you’ll need for your project, you must first calculate the total square footage of your roof. Here’s a simple method for doing this:

  1. Measure the Roof’s Length and Width: If your roof is a simple rectangle, measure the length and width of the roof surface. Multiply these two numbers to calculate the area in square feet. For example, if your roof is 20 feet wide and 25 feet long, the area would be: 20 ft×25 ft=500 sq ft20 \, \text{ft} \times 25 \, \text{ft} = 500 \, \text{sq ft} This would be 5 squares (since 500 sq ft ÷ 100 = 5 squares).
  2. Consider Roof Pitch: If your roof has a steep pitch, you may need to adjust your measurements. A steeper roof pitch requires more material because it covers a larger surface area. For example, a roof with a 6/12 pitch will have an additional 15% area that needs to be accounted for.
  3. Factor in Additional Areas: Don’t forget to include areas like dormers, valleys, and chimneys, which require additional materials.

How to Estimate the Number of Bundles Needed

Once you know how many squares you need, it’s easy to estimate how many bundles of shingles to order. Here’s a basic formula to follow: Number of Bundles=Number of Squares×Bundles per Square\text{Number of Bundles} = \text{Number of Squares} \times \text{Bundles per Square}

Using the example of a 5-square roof that uses standard asphalt shingles, you would need: 5 squares×3 bundles per square=15 bundles5 \, \text{squares} \times 3 \, \text{bundles per square} = 15 \, \text{bundles}

However, always round up to ensure you have enough material, as cutting shingles may lead to wastage, especially in intricate roof designs.

Why You Should Work With S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC

At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we understand that roofing can be complex, and proper planning is essential to avoid overspending or running short of materials. Our team of experts has decades of experience providing top-notch roofing services to homeowners and businesses in Youngstown, Cleveland, Medina, and surrounding areas. Whether you’re installing a new roof or replacing an old one, we can help you calculate your roofing material needs with precision.

We offer a comprehensive range of roofing services, including:

  • Roof Installations
  • Roof Repairs
  • Roof Replacements
  • Roof Inspections

Additionally, we work with the highest quality materials, including Owens Corning shingles, ensuring that your roof is not only durable but also energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how many packs of shingles are in a square is crucial for any roofing project. At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we make sure that our clients are well-informed and receive the right amount of material for their roofing needs. By following our simple steps for calculating the number of squares and bundles, you can be confident that you’ll have the right amount of roofing material for your project.

Whether you’re replacing an old roof or embarking on a new construction project, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC for all your roofing needs in Northeast Ohio, and let us help you achieve the roof of your dreams!


Contact Information: S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC
Phone: (440)307-2060
Email: info@skconstruction.com
Website: www.skconstruction.com


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