Inputs
Units
ft
Sum of all ridge runs.
ft
If none, leave as zero.
Used to apply end overlaps per run.
Set number of hips to apply end overlaps.
ft
Extra length lost at each ridge run end.
ft
Extra length lost at each hip end.
Count of hip intersections meeting ridges.
ft
Extra length for trimming at each intersection.
in
Visible reveal of each cap after overlap.
Accessory caps vary by manufacturer; adjust as needed.
%
Includes cuts, defects, breakage, and staging.
Quick waste presets:
Preset packs & 3‑tab cut‑cap mode
0–1
Pieces/bundle is computed from these values and applied above.
Starter allowances & nails / cost
ft
ft
$
Set to zero to skip cost estimate.
Segmented lengths (optional)
Enable and add ridge/hip segments. Totals and run counts will auto-fill.
| Type | Length | Unit |
|---|
Coverage assumes equal exposure per cap.
Example Data
Click a row’s Use to load the inputs instantly.
| # | Ridge | Hips | Ridge runs | Hip runs | Exposure | Pieces/Bundle | Waste | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 60 ft | 40 ft | 1 | 2 | 5 in | 21 | 10% | |
| 2 | 120 ft | 80 ft | 3 | 4 | 5.5 in | 27 | 12% | |
| 3 | 30 m | 18 m | 2 | 3 | 140 mm | 20 | 8% |
Results
Effective linear length
—
Coverage per piece
—
Pieces required (with waste)
—
Bundles required
—
Linear coverage per bundle
—
Nails required
—
Coils/boxes required
—
Estimated material cost
—
Materials Cut-List
| Line | Description | Qty | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ridge & hip caps | — | pcs | Exposure-based coverage; roundings applied. |
| 2 | Bundles of ridge caps | — | bundle(s) | Pieces per bundle per input. |
| 3 | Nails | — | pcs | Based on nails per cap piece. |
| 4 | Coils/boxes of nails | — | box | Calculated from nails per coil/box. |
Formulas Used
- Total linear length =
ridge+hips. - Extra loss =
ridge_runs × 2 × ridge_end_overlap+hip_runs × 2 × hip_end_overlap+ridge_runs × starter_ridge+hip_runs × starter_hip+intersections × loss_per_intersection. - Effective length =
total_linear_length + extra_loss. - Coverage per piece =
exposure(converted to working unit). - Pieces (raw) =
effective_length / coverage_per_piece. - Add waste:
pieces_waste = pieces_raw × (1 + waste%/100). - Rounding: round up to whole piece; optionally to whole bundle.
- Bundles =
ceil(pieces / pieces_per_bundle). - Linear per bundle =
coverage_per_piece × pieces_per_bundle. - Nails =
pieces_final × nails_per_piece; boxes =ceil(nails / nails_per_box). - Cost =
bundles × price_per_bundle(if price provided).
Exposure equals visible reveal along the ridge line after overlaps.
How to Use
- Select units. Enter ridge and hip totals, or enable segments.
- Set run counts and end overlaps for ridges and hips.
- Use preset packs or 3‑tab mode to fill exposure and pieces.
- Optionally add starter allowances, nails, and price per bundle.
- Choose waste, rounding, then calculate and export CSV or PDF.
Always verify manufacturer instructions, local codes, and site conditions.
FAQs
Use the exposure specified in the ridge cap product data. If cutting 3-tab shingles, use the recommended reveal after trimming by the manufacturer.
Waste covers cuts at ends, hips, and intersections, plus breakage, staging losses, and color sorting. Complex roofs or brittle material may require higher waste.
Accessory ridge cap bundles vary by brand and product line. Enter the exact pieces-per-bundle from the datasheet or packaging to get accurate bundle counts.
Pitch indirectly affects exposure choices and waste. The calculator works on linear coverage; choose exposure appropriate for the pitch and product to ensure proper overlap and weatherproofing.
Yes. Set hips to zero. Ridges, overlaps, and intersections still determine effective length and piece counts.
Common Exposure & Coverage Reference
| Exposure | Coverage / piece (ft) | Coverage / piece (m) | Pieces per 100 ft | Pieces per 30 m |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 in (114 mm) | 0.375 | 0.114 | 267 | 262 |
| 5.0 in (127 mm) | 0.417 | 0.127 | 240 | 236 |
| 5.5 in (140 mm) | 0.458 | 0.140 | 218 | 215 |
| 6.0 in (152 mm) | 0.500 | 0.152 | 200 | 197 |
Values are rounded for field use. Always confirm with the product datasheet.
Typical Ridge Cap Bundle Specs
| Pack | Pieces / bundle | Exposure | Linear / bundle (ft) | Linear / bundle (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accessory pack A | 21 | 5.0 in | 8.750 | 2.667 |
| Accessory pack B | 27 | 5.5 in | 12.375 | 3.772 |
| Accessory pack C | 30 | 6.0 in | 15.000 | 4.572 |
| Cut 3‑tab example | 20 | 140 mm | 9.186 | 2.800 |
Bundle coverage varies by brand and line. Use your exact datasheet.