What is a Square in Roofing?

If you are thinking about replacing your roof, you have probably already come across the term "roofing square". Roofers often use it, but most homeowners encounter it during the project discussion stage. So it’s only natural to ask: what does this term mean and what is it used for? In this article, we will explain what it is, how to calculate it, and why it matters.

What is a Roofing Square

A roofing square is a section measuring 10 × 10 feet, or 100 square feet. For example, an area of 2,000 square feet equals 20 squares.

The total number of squares determines the cost of replacing the roof, including material consumption, removal of the old covering, and labor costs. However, the final amount of material also depends on the type of roofing chosen.

For one square, about three bundles of asphalt shingles are usually required (around 22 shingles per bundle). However, this number may vary: some types of premium shingles may require four to six bundles per square.

What is a Bundle of Shingles

A bundle is not a measure of area but a package of shingles, used for easier calculations and transportation. As mentioned above, covering one square usually requires about three bundles, and sometimes four or five.

How to Calculate Roof Area

If you are purchasing the material yourself, you need to know how to correctly calculate the roof area.

Step 1. Determine the Number of Roof Planes

First, find out how many planes your roof has. A plane is a separate flat section. For example, a standard gable roof consists of two planes, while a pyramid roof has four. That’s why you can’t rely on the floor area of the house for calculations — the result will be inaccurate.

Step 2. Measure the Planes

Once you’ve counted the planes, measure each one. To find the area, measure the length and width of each surface and multiply these values. For example, if the length is 40 feet and the width is 35 feet, the area will be 1,400 square feet.

Step 3. Add Up the Results

After all planes are measured, add their areas together to get the total. If the roof has three slopes of 1,400 sq. ft. each, the total area will be 4,200 sq. ft.

Step 4. Convert the Area to Roofing Squares

Now you can calculate the number of roofing squares. Divide the total area by 100. In our example, a roof area of 4,200 sq. ft. equals 42 roofing squares.

Step 5. Factor in the Pitch

Be sure to account for the pitch, since it affects both the calculated area and the amount of material needed. One commonly used method is the “rise over run.”
Measure the vertical distance from the highest point to its base, then the horizontal distance from the base to that same point. Divide the rise by the run to get the pitch ratio, such as 4:12 or 6:12.

Taking these measurements on your own is not as simple as it may seem. That’s why we still recommend leaving this work to professionals.

Factors Affecting Roof Area Size

Determining the exact roof area can be challenging, as several factors influence the final result. That’s why it is more reliable if the inspection and measurements are carried out by a professional company, such as Roofing & Siding of Cape Cod. This ensures the project plan is prepared correctly and the required amount of materials is accurately calculated.

Complexity of the Design

When making calculations, it is important to consider not only the dimensions but also the architectural features. The slope, the presence of dormer windows, gables, and other elements directly affect the actual size.

We take all these details into account to select the optimal materials for your roof.

Pitch

The steeper the slope, the greater the total surface area. To account for this factor, we use special multipliers, which eliminates the need to climb onto the roof multiple times. Even with houses of the same size, the roofing area can differ significantly precisely because of varying pitch.

Eaves

An eave or gutter is the lower part of the roof that extends beyond the walls of the house. Because of these overhangs, the roof surface area is always larger than the floor area. To account for this, we always measure the overhang depth, since eaves can increase the total size by several additional square meters.

How Many Shingles Are in a Bundle

The answer to this question directly depends on the type of roofing material purchased. For example, installing asphalt shingles typically requires about three bundles per roofing square, sometimes more.

A GAF-certified contractor will calculate the number of bundles based on the squares to prepare an estimate and determine the final cost of your project.

What Else Affects the Cost of Your New Roof

The cost depends on many factors, the main one being the chosen material. Asphalt shingles are considered the most affordable option, while metal, synthetics, cedar shake, slate, and tile are more expensive and durable.

However, the roof consists of more than just the main covering. The estimate also includes:

Drip edges, underlayment, starter shingles, ventilation, ridge components, flashing, and penetration protection — missing even one of these can cause problems in the future.
The condition of the decking. Damaged boards must be replaced, but the actual volume of work can only be assessed after removing the old covering. These costs often come as additional.
Site protection during installation: roofers use tarps or boards to protect the area around the house from damage. This step requires both materials and time, which also affects the price.
Access to the property. Fences, landscaping, or limited space can complicate material delivery. Another factor is the number of roof penetrations: pipes, windows, and chimneys require extra sealing and extend project timelines.
The pitch of the roof: the steeper it is, the more expensive the installation, due to additional safety measures and movement difficulties. The number of stories and architectural complexity also matter: more slopes and height changes mean higher labor costs.
Additional expenses include disposal of old materials. Hauling debris to a landfill is paid separately and added to the final estimate.
Time and labor remain key: every step requires hands-on work, and labor costs vary depending on the crew’s qualifications.
Finally, the operating costs of the company itself — from insurance and licenses to taxes and vehicle maintenance — are factored in and distributed across all projects, affecting the final roofing cost.

Nevertheless, if you work with Roofing & Siding of Cape Cod, you can be confident that the project timeline and estimate specified in the contract will be honored. And once the work is complete, you will have a reliable roof with a warranty.

Dmitry Labkovich

Since 2002, I have dedicated my career to construction, starting as a cleanup worker and laborer. Despite tough conditions, I quickly mastered roofing and siding, and within six months, I was handling complex tasks. Later, I became a subcontractor, growing the business with a partner and expanding our team.

In 2011, I founded Roofing and Siding of Cape Cod and Boston. At the same time, I continued working with major firms, building a reputation through high-quality work and excellent service. In 2010, I joined the Coast Guard Reserve, which helped me develop leadership skills. Before my deployment in 2018, I built a reliable team that ensured steady company growth.

Today, Roofing and Siding of Cape Cod and Boston is a team of 30+ professionals, all OSHA-certified. We continue to expand while maintaining top-quality standards and exceptional customer service.

**Experience & Expertise**

- 20+ years in the roofing and siding industry
- Hands-on experience from laborer to business owner
- Managing a team of 30+ professionals
- Business development and client relations

**Education & Certification**

- Practical training in roofing and siding techniques
- OSHA safety certification
- Coast Guard Reserve service experience
- Ongoing professional development in construction

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