Field shingles
Bundles = squares (with waste) × bundles per square, rounded up. Most 3-tab and architectural shingles are 3 bundles per square; some heavyweight designer shingles are 4–5. The wrapper lists the exact coverage. Use the shingle calculator to do the math.
Accessories, by length
| Item | Where | Typical coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Starter strip | Eaves (and usually rakes) | About 100–120 linear ft per bundle |
| Hip & ridge cap | Hips and ridges | About 20–35 linear ft per bundle |
| Drip edge | Eaves and rakes | 10 ft pieces |
| Synthetic underlayment | Whole deck | Often 10 squares per roll |
| Ice & water shield | Eaves in cold climates, valleys | Often about 2 squares per roll |
Coverage varies by product — always check the wrapper. Where ice dams are likely, the International Residential Code calls for an ice barrier from the eave edge to at least 24 in inside the exterior wall line.
Worked example
A hip roof with 2,236 sq ft of surface, 160 ft of eaves, 70 ft of hips and ridge, 12% waste:
- Field: 2,236 × 1.12 = 2,504 sq ft → 25.1 squares → 76 bundles (3/square, rounded up)
- Starter: 160 ft of eaves ÷ ~110 ft per bundle → 2 bundles
- Hip & ridge: 70 ft ÷ ~25 ft per bundle → 3 bundles
- Drip edge: 160 ft ÷ 10 → 16 pieces (plus rakes on a gable roof)
- Underlayment: 25 squares ÷ 10 → 3 rolls
Edge lengths are the hard part to get from the ground. The Roofari report lists eaves, rakes, hips, ridges and valleys from the measured roof.
Questions
How many bundles of shingles cover 1,000 sq ft?
About 30 bundles (10 squares × 3 bundles) before waste; with 10% waste, 33.
How many bundles do I need for ridge cap?
Divide the total hip and ridge length by the cap shingle’s coverage per bundle — commonly 20–35 linear feet — and round up.
Do I need starter shingles on the rakes?
Many manufacturers recommend it for wind resistance and some require it for their warranties. Check the installation instructions for your shingle.