Accurate calculation of roof squares is critical for obtaining the right quantity of shingles for a roofing job, so as to minimize waste, and to get the job priced correctly. Roof squares are used by roofers and contractors to quickly and professionally estimate the materials needed for their jobs. The area of a square roof is 100 square feet of roof area. By learning to correctly calculate roof squares, you can save time, money, and avoid costly mistakes. This guide will provide you with a basic formula to determine the number of roof squares on a roof, detailed step-by-step examples, and how you can measure a roof instantly without climbing a ladder.
Table of Contents
What Is a Roof Square?
A square is the standard roofing unit that is equal to 100 square feet of roof area. Roofing materials such as shingles, underlayment, and felt are sold by the square, so the roofing contractor needs to accurately the number of calculate roof squares that will be ordered before placing an order for any roofing materials.
Simple Formula to Calculate Roof Squares
Use this basic formula:
Total Roof Area (sq ft) ÷ 100 = Roof Squares
Example:
- Roof area: 2,400 sq ft
- Calculation: 2,400 ÷ 100 = 24 roof squares
You’ll need 24 squares of shingles, plus extra for waste.
Step-by-Step: How to Calculate Roof Squares Manually
1. Measure The Area of Every Roof Area
Measure the length of those areas in feet multiplied by the width of those areas in feet.
2. Add Up All Areas Together
Add up the total square footage of all the different roof areas.
3. Find Out The Number Of “Roof Squares” By Dividing By 100
Then divide your total square footage by 100 to get your total number of roof squares.
Add Waste Factor (Very Important)
When you calculate roof squares, always include waste:
- 3–5% → Simple gable roofs
- 7–10% → Hip roofs
- 10–15% → Cut-up or steep roofs
Example:
- 24 squares + 10% waste = 26.4 → Order 27 squares
How Roof Pitch Affects Roof Squares
Steeper roofs have more surface area than flat measurements suggest. If pitch is ignored, your roof square calculation may be inaccurate.
| Roof Pitch | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| 4/12 | 1.054 |
| 6/12 | 1.118 |
| 8/12 | 1.202 |
| 10/12 | 1.302 |
Adjusted Area = Ground Area × Pitch Multiplier
Fastest Way to Calculate Roof Squares (No Climbing)
Instead of manual measuring, professional contractors now use aerial roof measurement reports.
Benefits:
✔ 98–99% accuracy
✔ Includes pitch, facets, ridges & hips
✔ Delivered in hours
✔ No ladder or site visit
👉 Get instant roof squares at aerialestimation.com
Common Mistakes When Calculating Roof Squares
❌ Forgetting waste factor
❌ Ignoring roof pitch
❌ Measuring only one roof side
❌ Rounding down material orders
Avoid these and your estimates stay profitable.
Why Accurate Roof Square Calculation Matters for Contractors
Miscalculating the Roof Squares Can Result In:
- Shortage in Building Materials
- Increased Delivery Expenses
- Increased Time Lost By Workers During Downtime
- Decreased Profitability
By precisely calculating Roof Squares, Contractors, who are Professionals, provide Their Clients With Confidence, and give Their Clients an Assurance That Their Jobs Will Be Completed On Time.
Manual vs Aerial Method to Calculate Roof Squares
| Method | Accuracy | Time | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual Measuring | Medium | High | Ladder risk |
| Aerial Roof Reports | 98–99% | Low | No risk |
Using aerial reports is the fastest and safest way to calculate roof squares for shingles.
How Many Shingles Are in One Roof Square?
Knowing the number of shingle bundles required to cover a roof helps to calculate the square footage of the roof.
- 1 Square = 100 Sq. Ft.
- To cover 1 Square with asphalt shingles (the standard type), you will need 3 Bundles.
Example:
A Roof that has 27 Squares To Cover will require 81 Bundles of Shingles (27 x 3 = 81).
Always check the specs from the manufacturer’s site on the respective product page for accurate information because there may be differences between styles of shingles (Architectural vs. Standard).
Best Tool to Calculate Roof Squares Instantly
Contractors no longer need to rely on time-consuming manual calculations with the Roof Square Calculator; they can now calculate the following instantly:
- Total # of roof squares calculated
- Total pitched area converted to a flat area
- Ridge, hip and valley measurements and lengths
- Printable reports for your customers
📐 Use aerialestimation.com to Get Accurate Roof Measurements
Extra Tip: Double-Check Before Ordering
Prior to placing your material order, always verify the following:
- Waste factor percentage
- Pitch Multiplier
- Round up to whole # of Roof Squares
- Verify Coverage of Shingle Bundles
This extra step can save you from expensive errors.
Final Thoughts
Roof squares provide valuable information to roofers about how much material to buy for their jobs. Roof squares also assist roofers in accurately pricing jobs and obtaining more contracts to carry. While manual calculations can be completed manually by roofers, using aerial roof reports to calculate roof squares is quicker and safer as well as more accurate, particularly when multiple roof projects are being worked on by the professional contractor.
Want Instant Roof Squares?
📐 Order accurate roof measurement reports today at aerialestimation.com
FAQs
1. What does it mean to calculate roof squares?
To determine your total Roof Squares, you will take the area of your roof in Sq. Ft. and divide it by 100, this is equivalent to 1 Roof Square = 100 Sq. Ft. of roofing area.
2. What is the easiest way to calculate roof squares?
To quickly determine the number of roof squares you have, measure the total square footage of your roof, then divide that number by 100. There are also online Aerial Roof Reports available to speed up the Roof Square calculation process and ensure the Roof Square measurement is accurate.
3. How accurate is manual roof square calculation?
A manual Roof Square calculation can provide accurate results for a simple roof. However, for all other types of roofing, it may not account for issues such as roof pitch, waste factor, hips, valleys, or other complexities associated with roofing designs.
4. How much extra material should be added when calculating roof squares?
When calculating Roof Squares, most Roofing Professionals will add an additional 10% to 15% to account for waste, cuts, or complexity of the roof.
5. Can I calculate roof squares without climbing the roof?
Yes, it is possible to measure Roof Squares without needing to climb on the roof by utilizing Aerial Roof Measurement Reports which provide you with very precise measurements and don’t require you to take any unnecessary safety risks.