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 isn’t about the shape of your roof, or some mysterious carpenter’s tool hiding in a toolbox. It’s a simple way to measure the roofing area. One roofing square equals 100 square feet. That’s it. Clean. Simple.. A nice round number contractors can work with. 

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

So… What Exactly is a Roofing Square?

Think about it like this:

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 boom, now you’ve got 20 squares. 

The square unit has been around for ages. It helps roofers quickly figure out how many shingles, underlayment, and other materials are needed without pulling out a calculator 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’, they’re not just estimating – they’re 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 the math tidy – no one likes messy decimals when ordering materials. 
• Better for planning – roofers can estimate quickly without digging through complex blueprints. 
• Material orders are smoother – suppliers know exactly how many bundles per square you’ll need. 
• Budget control – you can spot when a quote sounds fair… or suspicious. 

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’s the simple math: 

• Measure each section of your roof – length times width.
• Add up all the sections to get your total square footage.
• 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 your roof has a steep slope or complicated angles, you’ll need to factor that in. 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 isn’t just for ordering materials, it also helps keep installation smooth. 

Step 1. Prep the Roof

Old shingles off, damaged boards replaced, underlayment down. A clean start. 

Step 2. Begin at the Bottom

Shingles go from the eaves upwards – gravity’s 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

Confirm with the pattern your shingle type requires and lay them down in neat rows. Remember to stagger the seams for strength. 

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

If you’ve got 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 make the mistake of thinking that learning about roofing squares is just trivia. It can actually save you money and frustration. 

• Accurate 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, because everyone’s talking in the same units. 

• Future-Proofing 

If you need repairs years from now, you’ll already have the size handy. 

• 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 need 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 roofing lifesaver. One that will help save unwanted surprises down the road.

Wrapping it Up

A roofing square is a clever little unit that keeps roofing simple, organized, and accurate. For roofers, it’s second nature. For homeowners, it’s the difference between being in the dark and being part of the conversation. 

Once you know your roof in squares, everything else – estimates, budgets, material lists – gets a whole 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. 

Have a roofing project in mind? Call Discounted Roofing LLC today for high-quality workmanship.