How many bundles of shingles do I need?

Divide your roof area by 100 to get roofing squares, then multiply by 3 (standard shingles) or 4 (designer/heavy). Add 10-20% for waste. Example: 1,800 sq ft ÷ 100 = 18 squares × 3 = 54 bundles + 12% waste = approximately 61 bundles.

How many bundles per roofing square?

Standard 3-tab and architectural shingles: 3 bundles per square. Designer and heavy-weight architectural: 4 bundles per square. One roofing square = 100 sq ft.

What waste factor should I use for shingles?

10% for simple gable roofs, 12% for standard residential (most common), 15% for complex roofs with dormers/valleys, 20% for very complex or steep roofs.

Free Tool — No Sign-Up Required

Shingle Bundle Calculator

How many bundles of shingles do you need? Enter your roof size and get the exact count — including waste factor for your roof complexity.

📐 Your Roof

Roof Area (sq ft)

5001,800 sq ft6,000

Shingle Type

Waste Factor

📦 Bundles Needed

Total Bundles

bundles of architectural shingles

Roof area1,800 sq ft

Waste factor12% (Standard)

Adjusted area2,016 sq ft

Roofing squares20.2

Bundles/square3

💡 Pro Tip

1 roofing square = 100 sq ft. Most standard shingles come 3 bundles per square (~33.3 sq ft/bundle). Always round up and order a few extra bundles for the starter course and ridge cap.

Quick Reference: Bundles by Roof Size

Roof Size	Squares	Standard (3/sq)	Designer (4/sq)
1,000 sq ft	11.2	34	45
1,500 sq ft	16.8	51	68
1,800 sq ft	20.2	61	81
2,000 sq ft	22.4	68	90
2,500 sq ft	28.0	85	113
3,000 sq ft	33.6	101	135

* Includes 12% standard waste factor. Ridge cap, starter course, and hip/valley shingles may require additional bundles.

Shingle Bundle FAQ

How many bundles of shingles for 1,000 sq ft?+

For a 1,000 sq ft roof using standard architectural shingles with a 12% waste factor, you need approximately 34 bundles. Order 36 to have extras for the ridge cap and starter course.

How many bundles of shingles for 1,500 sq ft?+

For a 1,500 sq ft roof using standard architectural shingles with a 12% waste factor, you need approximately 51 bundles.

How many bundles of shingles for 1,800 sq ft?+

For a 1,800 sq ft roof using standard architectural shingles with a 12% waste factor, you need approximately 61 bundles. This is one of the most common residential roof sizes in North America.

How many bundles of shingles for 2,000 sq ft?+

For a 2,000 sq ft roof using standard architectural shingles with a 12% waste factor, you need approximately 68 bundles.

How many bundles of shingles are on a pallet?+

A standard pallet holds approximately 42 bundles of architectural shingles, covering about 14 squares (1,400 sq ft) before waste. Pallet counts vary by manufacturer — confirm with your supplier.

How many shingles come in a bundle?+

A standard bundle of 3-tab shingles contains about 26 shingles. Architectural (laminate) bundles typically contain 21–22 shingles. Either way, one bundle covers approximately 33.3 sq ft — one-third of a roofing square.

Are You a Roofing Contractor?

Give your quote-link visitors instant satellite-powered estimates and a clearer path toward booking.

See Roofing Solutions →