Roofing Squares Calculator

Footprint × pitch multiplier × waste = the order. Set your numbers and read off squares and bundles.

2,236
Roof surface (sq ft)
25.0
Squares (incl. waste)
76
Bundles (3/square)

Skip the tape measure — get the footprint, pitch, and squares from satellite in seconds.

The math, spelled out

1) Measure the roof's footprint — the flat area it covers, including overhangs. 2) Multiply by the pitch multiplier to get true surface area. 3) Add a waste factor for cuts, starters, and caps. 4) Divide by 100 for squares, and figure three bundles per square for standard architectural shingles.

The footprint is the number most crews get wrong from the ground — eyeballing overhangs and hidden rear sections. A satellite measurement takes the guesswork out: Rooftops AI reads the footprint, pitch, and facets from imagery and returns squares with a waste suggestion in seconds.

FAQ

What is a roofing square?

A square is 100 square feet of actual roof surface area. Shingles are sold by the square, typically as three bundles per square (about 33 sq ft per bundle for standard architectural shingles).

How many squares is a 2,000 sq ft house?

It depends on pitch and overhangs, not just living area. A 2,000 sq ft footprint at 6/12 pitch is about 2,236 sq ft of roof surface; with 12% waste that's roughly 25 squares — about 75 bundles. A steeper or more cut-up roof needs more.

What waste factor should I use?

10% is a common floor for simple gable roofs; 12–15% for typical hips and valleys; complex, cut-up roofs with many facets can justify 15–20%. Valleys, hips, ridges, and starter courses all consume shingles beyond the raw surface area.

Stop measuring by hand

Type the address, get footprint, pitch, squares, and a replacement estimate from satellite — in the driveway, before you knock. 3 free reports.

Get a free roof report