A roofing square is 100 square feet of roof surface, and most standard asphalt shingles require 3 bundles to cover 1 square. This usually applies to 3-tab and architectural asphalt shingles. Heavier specialty shingles may require 4, 5, or 6 bundles per square.
Bundles per Roofing Square
| Shingle Type | Typical Bundles per Square |
|---|---|
| 3-tab asphalt shingles | 3 |
| Standard architectural shingles | 3 |
| Heavy or designer shingles | 4 to 6 |
| Specialty shingles | Check the package |
The exact number depends on the shingle's weight, size and coverage area. Some specialty shingles cover only 20 square feet per bundle, which means you need 5 bundles to cover 1 square. Owens Corning specifications also list products that require 4, 5 or 6 bundles per square.
How Many Bundles Do You Need for Your Roof?
Use this formula:
Roofing squares × bundles per square = total bundles
For standard asphalt shingles:
- A 1,000-square-foot roof equals 10 squares.
- 10 squares × 3 bundles = 30 bundles.
- A 2,000-square-foot roof equals 20 squares.
- 20 squares × 3 bundles = 60 bundles.
Use the roof's actual surface area, not the home's floor area. Roof pitch, overhangs, dormers and separate roof sections can all increase the amount of roofing material required.
Should You Add Extra Bundles for Waste?
Yes. Add about 10% to 15% for waste, including cutting waste, damaged shingles and installation offcuts. This allowance matters more on roofs with valleys, hips, dormers and multiple angles.
For a 2,000-square-foot roof using shingles that require 3 bundles per square:
- Base requirement: 60 bundles
- With 10% waste: 66 bundles
- With 15% waste: 69 bundles
Check the Shingle Package Before Buying
Read the manufacturer's coverage information on the bundle wrapper before ordering. Coverage varies between brands and products, so the number of shingles in a bundle does not reliably show how much roof area the bundle covers. The package should list the coverage area.
For ordinary asphalt shingles, plan on 3 bundles per roofing square. Then check the product label and add 10% to 15% for waste before you buy.