Roofing Square Calculator

Pro estimator handling hips, valleys, dormers, and multi‑facet footprints with precision today. Enter dimensions, pitch, complexity, openings, valleys, ridges, and materials. Get squares, bundles, rolls, sheets, fasteners, drip edge, starter, and costs in real‑time calculations. Export CSV and PDF to share project summaries easily.

Core footprint
All inputs follow this unit system.
Horizontal eave-to-eave length.
Horizontal gable-to-gable width.
Example: 6 for 6/12.

Extra facets (rectangles)

Openings / deductions
Total area to deduct.
Use >1 if flashing increases effort/materials.

Linear features

Materials & coverage
Measured horizontally from eaves.
Formula used
  • Plan area = (Length + 2×eave) × (Width + 2×rake) + Σ facets
  • Pitch factor = √(rise² + 12²) / 12 for rise/12 pitch
  • Slope area = (Plan area × Pitch factor × Complexity) − Openings
  • Waste → Net area = Slope area × (1 + Waste%)
  • Squares = Net area / 100
  • Underlayment rolls = ⌈Net area / Roll coverage⌉
  • Ice & water rolls = ⌈(Eaves length × Zone width) / Roll coverage⌉
  • Sheets = ⌈Net area / Sheet coverage⌉
  • Ridge bundles = ⌈(Ridge + Hips) / Bundle coverage⌉
  • Nail boxes = ⌈(Squares × Nails/sq) / Nails/box⌉

Estimator assumes rectangular main footprint with optional rectangular facets. Verify with drawings and site measurements for irregular geometry.

How to use this calculator
  1. Select units, enter dimensions, overhangs, pitch, and complexity.
  2. Add up to three extra rectangular facets with their pitch.
  3. Enter openings to deduct, plus valleys, hips, and ridge data.
  4. Set material coverage, costs, nails, and tax preferences.
  5. Click Calculate for squares, materials, linear footage, and costs.
  6. Export the results table using CSV or PDF buttons above.
Example data table
ParameterExampleUnits
UnitsFeet-
Footprint length40ft
Footprint width30ft
Eave overhang1.0ft
Rake overhang1.0ft
Pitch (rise/12)6-
Complexity multiplier1.05-
Waste10%
Facet 1 (L×W×pitch)12 × 8 × 6ft, ft, rise/12
Valleys length20ft
Hips length30ft
Ice & water width3ft
Bundles per square3bundle/sq
Underlayment typeSynthetic~1000 sq ft/roll
Sheathing sheet4x832 sq ft/sheet

Use these as starting values. Replace with your project measurements.

Typical pitch factors (rise per 12 run)
PitchFactorNotes
3/121.031Low slope
4/121.054Common Ranch
5/121.083Moderate
6/121.118Steeper working angle
8/121.201Steep
10/121.305Very steep
12/121.41445° slope

Factor multiplies plan area to get one-slope surface area before waste.

Waste allowance guide by roof complexity
ComplexitySuggested WasteExamples
Simple5–8%Basic gable, few penetrations
Moderate8–12%Gable with dormer, simple hips
Complex12–18%Multiple valleys, hips, angles
Very complex18–25%+Cut-heavy architectural roofs

Adjust waste alongside the complexity multiplier for accuracy.

Coverage cheat‑sheet
MaterialTypical CoverageEstimator rule
Architectural shingles1 square = 100 sq ft3 bundles per square
#15 felt underlayment~400 sq ft / rollUse rolls = ⌈area/400⌉
#30 felt underlayment~200 sq ft / rollUse rolls = ⌈area/200⌉
Synthetic underlayment~1000 sq ft / rollUse rolls = ⌈area/1000⌉
Ice & water shield~225 sq ft / rollUse eaves length × zone width
OSB/Plywood 4×832 sq ft / sheetSheets = ⌈area/32⌉
OSB/Plywood 4×1040 sq ft / sheetSheets = ⌈area/40⌉
Ridge cap bundle~20 linear ft / bundle⌈(hips + ridge)/20⌉

Always confirm manufacturer labels for exact coverage before purchasing.

FAQs
1) What is a roofing square?

A roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof surface. It’s a buying and estimating unit used for shingles, underlayment, and labor planning. Squares convert directly from total roof area.

2) How accurate are the pitch factors?

Pitch factors come from √(rise² + 12²)/12 and assume a straight, uniform slope. They are accurate for rectangular planes. Complex framing, sags, or tapered runs require field verification and adjustments.

3) How much waste should I include?

Waste varies with complexity and installer preference. Simple gables may use 5–8%. Moderate roofs use 8–12%. Complex designs may require 12–18% or more. Increase waste for many cuts, valleys, and flashing.

4) How are ridge cap bundles calculated?

We add ridge and hip lengths, then divide by bundle coverage. Many bundles cover about 20 linear feet. Enter your product’s actual coverage to refine the estimated bundle count.

5) Does this tool support metric inputs?

Yes. Choose meters in the Units menu. The calculator converts lengths and areas to feet and square feet internally so coverage rules and squares remain consistent across systems.

6) What if my roof has many facets?

Use the extra facet fields to add rectangular sections with distinct pitch. Increase the complexity multiplier and waste percentage to capture additional cuts, valleys, and fitting around penetrations.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.