how many shingles in a square

by | Mar 19, 2025 | Blog

Sure! Here’s an SEO-optimized blog focusing on how many shingles are in a square in roofing, and how S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC can help with your roofing needs:


How Many Shingles Are in a Square? A Complete Guide by S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC

When you’re planning a roofing project, whether it’s for a new home or a roof replacement, one of the first questions that might come to mind is: “How many shingles are in a square?” This is an essential detail to understand, as it helps you determine how much material you’ll need for your roof, calculate costs, and estimate the labor involved.

At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we specialize in roofing services across Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, Youngstown, Medina, and beyond. With our years of experience in the roofing industry, we know exactly how to guide homeowners through the process of selecting the right roofing materials and ensuring the correct number of shingles for their project. Whether you’re tackling a small residential roofing project or a larger commercial roof installation, understanding how shingles are packaged and measured is crucial.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer the critical question, “How many shingles are in a square?”, and explore related factors such as roofing materials, measuring your roof, and how S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC can help with your next roofing project.

What Does “A Square” Mean in Roofing?

Before diving into the number of shingles in a square, let’s first define the term “square” in the context of roofing.

In roofing, a square refers to an area of 100 square feet. So, when roofing materials like shingles are sold, they are often packaged to cover one square (100 square feet). Understanding the concept of a square is essential because it helps you calculate how many squares you need for your roof based on its size.

For example, if you have a 1,500 square foot roof, you’ll need 15 squares of roofing material. This allows contractors, like S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, to estimate how many shingles are required for the entire roof installation.

How Many Shingles Are in a Square?

Now, let’s get to the heart of the question—how many shingles are in a square?

The number of shingles in a square depends on the type of shingles you choose. Most asphalt shingles are packaged to cover 33.3 square feet per bundle. Since a square equals 100 square feet, this means that it typically takes three bundles of shingles to cover one square.

Here’s a breakdown:

  • 1 square = 100 square feet of roof coverage
  • 1 bundle of shingles covers 33.3 square feet of roof
  • 3 bundles are needed to cover 1 square

Factors That Affect the Number of Shingles Per Square

While the general rule is that three bundles of shingles are needed to cover a square, there are several factors that can influence this number:

1. Shingle Type and Size

There are many types of shingles available, including 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles, and designer shingles, all of which may have different sizes.

  • 3-tab shingles: These are the most common type of asphalt shingles and are typically smaller in size, which means more shingles are needed per bundle. This often results in three bundles covering one square.
  • Architectural shingles: These shingles are thicker and larger, typically covering more surface area per shingle. Because of this, fewer shingles may be required in each bundle to cover a square.
  • Designer shingles: These premium shingles are often larger and come in unique shapes. As with architectural shingles, they might require fewer shingles to cover a square.

2. Waste Factor

During installation, there is often some waste, particularly if your roof has a lot of angles, valleys, chimneys, or skylights. Typically, roofing contractors account for about 10% extra material to cover this waste. This means that, if you’re ordering shingles for a roof, you may need to account for the extra bundles needed to cover the waste.

For example, if your roof is 20 squares and you want to account for waste, you might order an additional 2 squares (10% of 20), which equals 6 bundles of shingles (as each square requires 3 bundles).

3. Shingle Thickness

The thickness of the shingles affects how many you need per square. Thicker, high-quality shingles, such as architectural or impact-resistant shingles, may cover more area with fewer shingles. However, thinner shingles (like 3-tab shingles) will require more shingles to cover the same area.

How to Calculate How Many Bundles of Shingles You Need for Your Roof

Now that you understand how shingles are packaged and the factors that influence the number needed, let’s walk through the process of calculating how many shingles your specific roof will require.

1. Measure the Roof

First, measure the total area of your roof. Most roofing professionals, such as those at S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, will handle this for you, but if you want to do it yourself, here’s how you can measure your roof:

  • Find the square footage of each section of your roof: Divide your roof into smaller sections (rectangles or squares) and calculate the square footage of each one. Use the formula:
    Length x Width = Square footage.
  • Add the areas of each section: After calculating the area of each section, add them all together to get the total square footage of your roof.

2. Convert Square Footage to Squares

Since a square is 100 square feet, you’ll divide your total roof square footage by 100 to get the number of squares. For example, if your roof is 1,800 square feet, divide 1,800 by 100, and you’ll get 18 squares.

3. Calculate the Number of Bundles Needed

As mentioned earlier, 3 bundles of shingles cover one square. So, for a 1,800-square-foot roof (which is 18 squares), you would need:

  • 18 squares x 3 bundles per square = 54 bundles of shingles.

4. Account for Waste

If you’re ordering shingles yourself, be sure to add 10% for waste. So, for 54 bundles, you’ll want to add 10% more (which is approximately 5 more bundles).

Thus, for your 1,800-square-foot roof, you would need to order around 59 bundles of shingles to ensure you have enough material.

Why Choose S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC for Your Roofing Needs?

At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we specialize in helping homeowners across Northeast Ohio with all their roofing needs. Whether you’re tackling a roof replacement, repair, or new construction, we provide expert advice, high-quality materials, and professional installation to ensure your roof is built to last.

Here’s why you should trust S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC with your next roofing project:

  • Experienced Roofing Professionals: Our team has years of experience in the roofing industry. We understand the nuances of roof installations, and we use this knowledge to deliver exceptional results.
  • High-Quality Roofing Materials: We offer top-tier roofing products, including Owens Corning, GAF, and CertainTeed shingles, so you can rest assured you’re getting the best materials for your roof.
  • Affordable Pricing: We work hard to provide cost-effective roofing solutions without compromising on quality. We’ll help you determine how many shingles you need for your project, ensuring that you only pay for what’s necessary.
  • Comprehensive Roofing Services: From roof inspections to new roof installations, S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC has you covered every step of the way.
  • Licensed and Insured: We are a fully licensed and insured roofing contractor, giving you peace of mind knowing your home is in good hands.

Conclusion

Understanding how many shingles are in a square is a critical aspect of any roofing project. Whether you’re looking to replace your current roof or install a new one, knowing how to calculate the number of shingles you need will help you plan and budget your project efficiently.

At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we are proud to be your trusted roofing partner in Northeast Ohio. If you need assistance with your roofing project, from calculating the right number of shingles to expert installation, contact us today! We’ll ensure your roof is built with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, protecting your home for years to come.


Call to Action: Ready to get started on your next roofing project? Reach out to S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC for a free consultation and expert roofing services! We proudly serve Cleveland, Youngstown, Medina, and surrounding areas.

Our Recent Blog & Articles