Roofing Calculator
Calculate roofing materials, costs, and measurements for your roofing project. Get accurate estimates for shingles, underlayment, and other roofing materials.
Roof Measurements
Material Selection
Material Requirements
Shingles
Coverage: 32.8 sq ft/bundle
Weight: 65 lbs/bundle
Underlayment
Additional Materials
Total Weight
Cost Estimation
How to Use
Select your roof type and choose between entering dimensions or total area.
Enter your roof measurements, including length, width, and pitch if applicable.
Choose your shingle type, underlayment, and additional materials needed.
Enter material prices and labor rates to get a complete cost estimate.
Understanding Roofing Materials
Shingle Types
3-Tab Shingles
Basic asphalt shingles with uniform appearance. Most economical option with 20-25 year lifespan.
Architectural Shingles
Dimensional shingles with varied appearance. Better durability and 25-30 year lifespan.
Premium Shingles
High-end architectural shingles with enhanced features. 30-50 year lifespan.
Luxury Shingles
Designer shingles mimicking slate or wood. Premium appearance with 40-50 year lifespan.
Roof Measurements
Roof Pitch
The slope of the roof expressed as rise over run. Affects material requirements and installation difficulty.
Square
A roofing square equals 100 square feet. Industry standard unit for measuring roof area.
Waste Factor
Additional material needed for cuts, overlaps, and mistakes. Typically 10-15% of total area.
Installation Components
Underlayment
Water-resistant barrier installed under shingles. Felt paper or synthetic materials provide backup protection.
Ridge Cap
Special shingles that cover the peak of the roof. Provides weather seal at the ridge line.
Starter Strip
First course of shingles at the eave. Provides proper overhang and wind resistance.
Flashing
Metal strips that direct water away from roof penetrations and intersections.
Applications
Homeowners
- • Roof replacement planning
- • Material cost budgeting
- • Contractor quote verification
- • DIY project planning
- • Insurance claim estimates
Contractors
- • Job bidding and estimates
- • Material ordering
- • Project cost calculation
- • Waste factor planning
- • Client presentations
Professionals
- • Architectural planning
- • Construction estimating
- • Building inspections
- • Real estate assessments
- • Educational purposes
Example Calculations
Small Ranch House
Roof Area: 1,265 sq ft
Shingles: 14 bundles (4.2 squares)
Underlayment: 3 rolls
Estimated Cost: $3,800-$6,300
Large Two-Story Home
Roof Area: 3,578 sq ft
Shingles: 40 bundles (11.9 squares)
Underlayment: 8 rolls
Estimated Cost: $10,700-$17,900
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are these calculations?
Our calculations provide accurate material estimates based on standard industry practices. However, complex roof designs may require professional measurement for precise quantities.
What waste factor should I use?
Use 10% for simple roofs, 15% for complex roofs with many angles, and 20% for very complex designs or if you're inexperienced with roofing installation.
How do I measure roof pitch?
Roof pitch is measured as rise over run. A 4/12 pitch means the roof rises 4 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal distance. You can measure this with a level and measuring tape.
Should I include gutters in my estimate?
This calculator focuses on roofing materials. Gutters, downspouts, and other accessories should be calculated separately based on the perimeter of your roof.
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