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Calculate shingle bundles, starter strips, ridge caps, and nails for your roofing project. Includes waste factor and cost estimation.
Enter roof size to calculate
0 total bundles (field + starter + ridge)
• 4 bundles per square
• 80 nails per bundle
• Warranty: 30-50 years
• Price range: $35-50/bundle
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| Type | Bundles/Sq | Warranty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab Shingles | 3 | 20-25 years | $25-35/bundle |
| Architectural (Dimensional) | 4 | 30-50 years | $35-50/bundle |
| Premium/Designer | 4 | 50+ years | $50-100/bundle |
| Impact Resistant | 4 | 30-50 years | $45-65/bundle |
Standard 3-tab shingles require 3 bundles per roofing square (100 sq ft). Architectural (dimensional) shingles typically require 4 bundles per square due to their thicker, layered design. Premium designer shingles may also require 4-5 bundles depending on the manufacturer.
Starter strips are the first row of shingles installed along the eaves and rakes. They provide a base for the first course and seal the roof edge. Yes, starter strips are essential - they prevent wind uplift and water infiltration. Calculate 1 bundle per 100 linear feet of roof perimeter.
Ridge cap shingles cover the ridge and hip lines of your roof. One bundle typically covers about 35 linear feet. Measure all ridge lines and hip lines, add them together, then divide by 35 to get the number of bundles needed. Many manufacturers sell dedicated ridge cap bundles.
Use 10% waste for simple gable roofs, 15% for hip roofs or complex shapes, and 20% for very complex roofs with many valleys, dormers, or angles. First-time DIYers should add an extra 5% for cutting mistakes. It's better to have extra shingles for future repairs.
Standard application requires 4 nails per shingle. High-wind areas or steep slopes (above 60°) require 6 nails per shingle. This translates to approximately 2.5 lbs of 1-1/4" roofing nails per square, or about 320 nails per square for 4-nail installation.
3-tab shingles are flat, uniform, and the most economical option with 20-25 year warranties. Architectural shingles (also called dimensional or laminated) have a multi-layered, textured appearance resembling wood shakes. They're thicker, more durable, and come with 30-50 year warranties but cost 20-40% more.