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Calculate the number of roofing squares needed for a job. Enter the dimensions, pitch, and waste factor to see the full breakdown.
The horizontal length of the roof section
The horizontal width of the roof section
Rise per 12 inches of run
Typical waste is 10-15% for standard roofs
Flat Footprint
Length x width
1,200.00 sq ft
Actual Roof Area
Adjusted for 6/12 pitch (x1.118)
1,341.60 sq ft
Roofing Squares (no waste)
Actual area / 100
13.42
Waste
10% of actual area
134.16 sq ft
Total with Waste
1,475.76 sq ft
14.76 squares
One roofing square equals 100 square feet. For complex roof shapes, calculate each section separately and add the results. The pitch multiplier converts the flat footprint to actual roof surface area.
A roofing square is a unit of measurement equal to 100 square feet of roof area. Materials like shingles are sold in quantities that cover one square (three bundles of standard three-tab shingles typically equal one square).
Roof pitch increases the actual surface area compared to the flat footprint. A 6/12 pitch roof has approximately 11.8% more surface area than the flat measurement. The calculator applies the correct multiplier based on the selected pitch to give you the true roof area.
Waste accounts for material lost to cuts, overlaps, damaged pieces, and starter/hip/ridge material. A standard gable roof typically uses a 10% waste factor. Complex roofs with many hips, valleys, and dormers may require 15% or more. Learn more about waste factors
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