What is a Roofing Square?

If you’ve ever had a roofer quote you for work, you might have noticed they toss around the term ‘square’ like it’s just part of everyday talk.

And for them, it is.

For most homeowners, though? It’s one of those ‘wait…what?’ moments.

Here’s the thing: a roofing square is not about the shape of your roof or some kind of mysterious carpenter’s tool hiding in a toolbox. It is just one easy way to measure the roofing area. One roofing square equals 100 square feet. That’s all. Clean. Simple. A nice round number contractors can work with.

But let’s dig deeper, because once you understand it, your roofing project-whether big or small-suddenly makes a lot more sense.

So… What Exactly is a Roofing Square?

Think of it this way:

If your roof is 2,000 square feet, that’s… a lot of square feet to say over and over.

Instead, roofers divide that number by 100-and just like that, you have 20 squares.

The square unit has been around for ages. It aids roofers in giving a quick estimated number of shingles, underlayment, and other materials required without taking out their calculators every five minutes.

You’ll even see shingles sold by the square.  Which is why, when a roofer says, ‘this roof is about 18 squares’, he’s not just estimating – he’s already halfway to knowing how many bundles of shingles to load in the truck.

Why Do Roofing Squares Matter?

You might think-can’t we just stick to square feet?

Well, sure, but when you’re talking roofs, using squares has a few perks:

• Keeps all the math clean-no one likes messy decimals when ordering materials.
• Better for planning: roofers can estimate quickly without having to dig through complex blueprints.
• Material orders are smoother: suppliers know how many bundles per square you’ll need.
• Budget control: you can tell when a quote sounds about right… or suspect.

And for homeowners? It gives you a shared language with your contractor. Instead of nodding blankly when they talk about squares, you’ll know exactly what’s going on.

How to Figure Out Your Roof’s Squares?

Alright-here is the simple math:

• Measure each section of roof – length times width.
• Add all of the sections together to find your complete square footage.
• Now divide by 100 – that’s your total squares.

Example:

One section: 30 ft x 20 ft = 600 sq ft

Another section: 25 ft x 20 ft = 500 sq ft

Total: 1,100 sq ft

Squares: 1,100 ÷ 100 = 11 squares

If you have a steeply pitched roof or one with complex angles, you’ll have to take that into consideration. Most pros add about 10-15% for waste and cuts.

Using Roofing Squares to Install Shingles

Now, let’s connect the dots: knowing your squares is not only for material ordering, but it also helps in keeping the installation smooth.

Step 1. Prepare the Roof

Old shingles off, damaged boards replaced, underlayment down. Clean start.

Step 2. Start at the Bottom

Shingles go from the eaves upwards – gravity is a thing, after all.

Step 3. Starter Strip

This first row along the edge keeps water from sneaking under your shingles.

Step 4. Lay Your Shingles Row Wise

Lay them down in neat rows according to the pattern your shingle type requires. Remember to stagger the seams for strength.

Step 5: Use Your Roof’s Square Count as a Marker

If you have a 20-square roof, you know roughly how much you should have covered halfway through the job.

Step 6. Finish with Ridge Caps

That final touch along the peaks not only looks clean, but also seals your roof’s most vulnerable points.

Benefits of Knowing Your Roof in Squares

Don’t think that learning about roofing squares is mere trivia, as it could save you money and frustration.

• Correct Estimates 

No more paying for way too many shingles or rushing to buy more mid-project. 

• Easier Communication 

You can compare quotes apples-to-apples, since everyone’s talking in the same units. 

• Future-Proofing 

You’ll already have the size handy for those repairs when needed, years from now. 

• Confidence in Planning 

Knowing your roof is 22 squares somehow feels more graspable than saying 2,200 square feet. 

A Few Pro Tips (From Roofers Who’ve Seen It All) 

• Always round up your material order – nothing kills momentum like running out of shingles at 4 pm. 
• Know your shingle bundle count: some require 3 bundles per square, others a bit more. 
• Factor in complexity – steep roofs and fancy cuts always need extra
• Measure twice – it’s not just a carpenter’s saying, it’s a lifesaver for roofing. One that will help save unwanted surprises down the road. 

Wrapping it Up 

A roofing square is an ingenious little unit that keeps roofing simple, organized, and accurate. To roofers, it’s second nature. To homeowners, it’s the difference between being in the dark and part of the conversation. Once you know your roof in squares, everything else, from estimates to budgets to material lists, gets a lot easier to handle. So next time a contractor says, ‘your roof is about 17 squares’ – you can actually know what they’re talking about. Need a roofing job? Get the best workmanship with Discounted Roofing LLC today!