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Roof Area Calculator

Calculate actual roof area from house dimensions, pitch, and roof type. Get accurate square footage, roofing squares, and bundle counts.

How It Works

1

Enter house footprint

Measure the exterior length and width of your home at ground level.

2

Select roof type & pitch

Choose gable, hip, or shed roof and enter your rise-over-run pitch.

3

Get area and squares

Receive actual roof area, roofing squares, bundle count, and waste estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate roof area?

Multiply the house footprint length by width to get the base area, then multiply by the pitch multiplier for your roof slope. For a 6/12 pitch the multiplier is 1.118. Then add 10–20% for waste. Divide the total by 100 to get roofing squares. Example: 40 ft × 50 ft = 2,000 sq ft × 1.118 = 2,236 sq ft ÷ 100 = 22.4 squares.

What is a roofing square?

A roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof surface. It is the standard unit roofing contractors use for pricing. Most shingles come 3 bundles per square. To calculate squares: divide your total roof area (in sq ft) by 100. A 2,500 sq ft roof = 25 squares.

How many bundles of shingles per square?

Standard 3-tab and architectural shingles typically come 3 bundles per square (each bundle covers about 33 sq ft). Some premium shingles come 4 bundles per square. Always check the manufacturer specifications on your specific shingle brand, as coverage can vary.

Do I need to add a waste factor to my roof area?

Yes. Always add a waste factor to your calculated roof area. Use 10% for simple gable roofs. Use 15% for roofs with one or two valleys or hips. Use 20% for complex roofs with multiple valleys, dormers, or steep pitches. The waste accounts for cuts at edges, hips, valleys, and around penetrations.

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