A roofing square is a unit of measurement equal to 100 square feet, used to estimate roofing material, labor, and costs.
If you’re in the roofing business—or even just planning a roofing project—you’ve probably come across the term “roofing square.” But what exactly is it? And how do you use it to figure out how much roofing material you need?
In this post, we’ll break it all down in simple terms. You’ll learn:
- What a square in roofing means
- How to calculate your roof’s square footage
- How many bundles of shingles are in a roofing square
- Tools and tips to make the process faster (and more accurate)
What Is a Roofing Square?
A roofing square is the industry standard for measuring roof area. One roofing square equals 100 square feet (a 10 ft × 10 ft area). Roofers use this measurement to estimate materials, labor, and cost for a roofing job.
So if your roof is 2,000 square feet, that’s equal to 20 roofing squares.
How Do You Calculate Roof Square Footage?
Calculating your roof’s total area might sound tricky, but here’s a simple 3-step method:
1. Measure the Base Dimensions
For each section of your roof, measure the length and width, then multiply them together to get the area in square feet.
Example: A roof section that’s 30 ft × 20 ft = 600 ft²
2. Account for Roof Slope
If your roof isn’t flat (most aren’t), use a slope multiplier:
| Roof Pitch | Slope Factor |
|---|---|
| Low (3/12) | 1.06 |
| Medium (6/12) | 1.12 |
| Steep (9/12+) | 1.25+ |
Multiply the flat area by the slope factor to get the actual surface area.
3. Add a Waste Factor
Roofing projects typically include a waste factor of 10%–15% to account for cutting and material overlap. Multiply your final total by 1.10 or 1.15 depending on your project complexity.
Roofing Square Calculator
Need a shortcut? Try this simple formula:
Roof Area (ft²) ÷ 100 = Total Roofing Squares
You can also use an online roof square footage calculator to speed things up.
If you want total accuracy without climbing a ladder, order a RoofScope aerial measurement report. We use advanced aerial imagery to calculate your roof’s square footage, slope, pitch, and more—with a 99% accuracy guarantee.
How RoofScope Helps with Roofing Estimates and Material Orders
RoofScope reports provide a detailed breakdown of your roof’s total surface area, number of roofing squares, and recommended waste factor. This means you’ll know exactly how many squares of material to order—minimizing overages and delays.
These reports are frequently used by roofing contractors, insurance adjusters, and distributors to:
- Create accurate work estimates
- Prepare purchase orders for materials
- Streamline ordering and delivery with suppliers
RoofScope reports are available in PDF format and can be integrated directly into your workflow. View sample reports here.
RoofScope is part of Scope Technologies, a leader in property data and measurement solutions for the construction and insurance industries.
How Many Bundles Are in a Roofing Square?
It depends on the type of shingle:
- Standard 3-tab shingles: 3 bundles per square
- Architectural shingles: 3–4 bundles per square
- Luxury shingles: 4–6 bundles per square
Always confirm the bundle coverage with your supplier as it may vary slightly by manufacturer.
How Much Does a Roofing Square Cost?
Pricing depends on material and region. Here are some general ranges:
| Material Type | Average Cost per Square |
|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingles | $150 – $700 |
| Metal Roofing | $500 – $1,600 |
| Premium Shingles | $700 – $1,500 |
If you’re considering a metal roof, check out this metal roofing guide from This Old House for a full breakdown of pros and cons.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a homeowner planning a roof replacement or a contractor quoting your next job, understanding what a roofing square is and how to calculate roof square footage can save you time, money, and headaches.
Need precise measurements without stepping foot on a roof? Order a RoofScope report and get accurate, ready-to-use data for every job.
written by RoofScope published on 06. 10. 2025