Have you ever looked up at the roof and wondered how many shingles it’s hiding? Whether you’re a homeowner getting ready to take on a roofing project or just a curious mind, you may have asked yourself this question at least once.
The answer will depend on several factors, including the size of the bundles and the type of shingle being used. But don’t worry—we’re here to help!
In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of calculating how many shingles are in a bundle to get an idea of what materials and tools you may need for your next roofing project.
Let’s start from the basics. The most common place to buy shingles is in bundles. These bundles typically come with each type of product measuring three feet long, making them fairly easy to transport and store.
But exactly how many shingles are in each bundle? Let’s find out!
How Many Shingles Are in a Bundle?
Have you ever wondered how many shingles are in a bundle? It’s a common question for DIYers looking to install their own roof. Knowing the answer can help determine how much material you need for your project.
The answer depends on the size of the shingles and the actual area of your roof. Generally, there are 3 bundles of shingles per square (100 square feet).
However, if you’re using larger-sized shingles, you’ll likely need fewer bundles—or more—to achieve the same coverage.
If you’re looking to calculate the exact number of bundles needed for your roof, start by measuring the total area in square feet and then divide that number by 100 to determine the number of squares.
Then, multiply that number by 3 (the typical number of bundles per square) to get your total bundle count!
Calculating Stones Per Bundle
Figuring out how many shingles are in a bundle is trickier than expected. The number of shingles per bundle can vary depending on the brand and style.
However, there are some general guidelines that you can use to get a rough estimate.
Most bundles will contain an average of 33.3 square feet or about three square feet per shingle.
To calculate your total number of shingles, divide the square footage by three. For example, if you have 109 square feet of roof space, you’ll need about 36 bundles.
Additionally, suppose you’re looking for a more precise number of shingles per bundle and don’t want to do any math yourself.
In that case, most manufacturers list their exact number on their websites and product packaging—it’s always worth double-checking before making any big purchase decisions!
Types of Shingles and What You Need to Know
Shingles come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. That means knowing what type of roof you have and what type of shingles you need for the job is essential.
The three most common shingles are asphalt, wood, and metal. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before making your choice.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roof choice because they are economical, easy to install, and long-lasting.
They come in various colors and styles, so you can find one to match your home’s aesthetic.
Asphalt shingles come in bundles of 3-tab (also known as 3-tabs), architectural, or laminated styles. On average, one bundle usually covers 33 square feet (3ft x 11ft).
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are made from natural wood materials like cedar or redwood. They’re highly durable but require extra care when installing them since they’re prone to warping if they’re not correctly nailed down or fastened. One bundle usually covers 18 square feet (3ft x 6ft).
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles are also becoming increasingly popular due to their long life expectancy and low maintenance requirements.
As with wood shingles, extra care must be taken when nailing them down because they can be easily damaged if not done correctly. One bundle covers 33 square feet (3ft x 11ft).
Factors That Impact Bundle Size
There can be variations in the number of roofing shingles per bundle, even if they’re from the same manufacturer and product line.
A few factors can sway how many shingles are in a bundle. They include the following:
Type of Shingle
The type of shingle used can have an effect on the bundle size. For instance, if you choose architectural or designer shingles instead of traditional 3-tab varieties, you’ll likely get fewer shingles per bundle because they’re bigger and thicker.
Shingle Color
The color of your shingle has an impact on the number of bundles. Darker colors absorb more heat from the sun and therefore require more tabs to cover 100 sq ft. than lighter colors.
So for darker-colored rooftop materials, you’ll find fewer shingles in each bundle to make up for this added challenge.
Manufacturer & Batch Size
Finally, each manufacturer has their own unique batch sizes, which might also go hand-in-hand with product size selection (see above).
Additionally, some brands produce larger “heavyweight” labels and smaller bundles for contractors who work on smaller jobs or installations requiring fewer bundles overall.
All said and done, it’s important to remember that when it comes to asphalt shingles – one size does not fit all!
Effect of Roof Pitch on Bundle Quantity
Another thing to consider when thinking about how many shingles are in a bundle is the roof pitch.
Roof pitch can range from low-slope roofs with a 2:12 pitch or less to steep-slope roofs with a 6:12 pitch or higher. The number of shingles in a bundle may vary depending on the roof pitch.
For example, if you’re getting shingles for a low-slope roof, you may need up to 4 bundles per square—but if you’re getting shingles for a steep-slope roof, you may only need 3 bundles per square.
When determining the number of bundles per square, it is always best to consult with the manufacturer’s instructions and follow their recommendations, as they can vary depending on the type of shingle and the roof slope. This information can usually be found on the packaging or in product brochures.
How Shingle Bundles Are Packaged and Stored
When it comes to shingles, there are two common packaging types: bundles and rolls. It’s essential to know the difference between them because the number of shingles in a bundle will depend on which type you buy.
Bundles
The most common packaging for asphalt shingles is in bundles. These come in boxes and contain several individual shingles wrapped together.
The size of each bundle varies depending on the manufacturer and product but usually contains between 33-60 shingles.
Rolls
If you’re buying roll roofing, generally used for flat roofs, your purchase will come in larger, rolled pieces — typically 15-30 feet long — rather than individual shingles.
Most rolls come with around 36 square feet of material, so you can also get an estimate from that.
No matter what material or packaging you buy, keeping your bundles or rolls stored safely and correctly before using them for your roof project is essential.
Most materials should be stacked off the ground and covered with a tarp or other waterproof covering to protect it from moisture or water damage.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the number of shingles in a bundle can vary based on the size of the shingles, the manufacturer, and the area where you are located.
The average bundle comes in between 33 and 36 shingles, but you should always double-check the manufacturer’s information to make sure you have the right number of shingles.
While the number of shingles in a bundle may seem small, ensuring that you have the correct number for the job is vital.
If you’re unsure how many shingles you need, it’s always best to consult a professional to ensure you get the correct number for your roofing project.
