The short answer: usually 3
Roofers measure roofs in squares. One square is 100 square feet of roof surface. Most standard 3-tab and architectural (dimensional) asphalt shingles are packaged so that 3 bundles cover one square, which means each bundle covers about 33⅓ square feet.
Some heavier designer or luxury shingles come 4 or even 5 bundles to the square. Always check the coverage printed on the bundle wrapper.
How many shingles are in a bundle?
It depends on the shingle size and style, but typical figures are:
| Shingle type | Shingles per bundle (typical) | Bundles per square |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab | about 26 | 3 |
| Architectural / dimensional | about 20–22 | 3 |
| Designer / luxury | varies | 4–5 |
You rarely need the shingle count itself. Ordering is done in bundles, and the wrapper tells you how much each bundle covers.
Working out bundles for your roof
- Find the roof area. Measure the footprint (including overhangs) and multiply by the pitch factor, because a sloped roof has more surface than the ground under it. A 6/12 roof is about 1.12 × the footprint. Our guide to roof pitch lists the factors.
- Convert to squares. Divide the roof area by 100.
- Add waste. About 10% for a simple gable roof, 15% or more for hips, valleys and dormers.
- Multiply by bundles per square and round up.
Example: 2,000 sq ft of roof surface is 20 squares. Add 10% waste for 22 squares, then multiply by 3 for 66 bundles. The roofing calculator does this from the footprint and pitch.
Don't forget the extras
- Starter strip along the eaves and rakes. Some products are dedicated starter bundles.
- Hip and ridge cap shingles, sold by the linear foot of coverage per bundle.
- Underlayment, drip edge, ice-and-water shield in cold climates, flashing and nails.
Measure the total length of eaves, rakes, hips and ridges, and check each product's coverage per bundle or roll.
How much does a bundle weigh?
A bundle of 3-tab shingles typically weighs around 60–70 lb, and architectural shingles often 70–80 lb, so a square can weigh 200–240 lb or more. That matters for carrying bundles up a ladder, for delivery to the roof, and for a tear-off: removing the old layer adds a lot of weight to the dumpster.
Estimating the cost
Shingles are only part of a roofing bill. Labor, tear-off and disposal, underlayment and flashing usually make up most of the total. The roof replacement cost calculator gives a planning range from your roof size, pitch and material. Get written quotes from licensed roofers before you commit.