Roofing Quantities Explained

The Roofing Square

One roofing square = 100 square feet (9.29 m²). Standard three-tab shingles come 3 bundles per square. Architectural / dimensional shingles may require 4 bundles per square — check your product specifications.

Pitch Multiplier

A steeper roof has more actual surface area than its footprint suggests. A 4:12 pitch (standard UK house) adds 6% to the footprint area. A 12:12 pitch (45° angle) adds 41% — this is where estimates go badly wrong if ignored.

Waste Allowance by Complexity

Simple gable roof: 10%. Hip roof with 4 sides: 12–15%. Roof with dormers, skylights, or multiple valleys: 15–20%. Always order from the same batch and keep 1–2 spare bundles for future repairs.

Roofing Shingles Calculator

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