How do you calculate roofing squares?

One roofing square equals 100 square feet. To calculate squares, multiply the roof's length by width (or use satellite measurement), then divide by 100. Add 10-15% for waste on cut pieces and valleys.

What is the average cost to replace a roof in 2025?

The average roof replacement costs $8,000 to $15,000 for a typical 2,000 sq ft home (20 squares) with architectural shingles. This includes tear-off, materials, labor, and disposal. Complex roofs with multiple valleys and steep pitches cost more.

2026 Pricing Guide

Roofing Estimate Calculator & Cost Guide

Real 2025 pricing data to help you bid roofing jobs accurately. Includes cost per square, material prices, and labor rates.

2026 Roofing Costs Per Square (100 sq ft)

Shingle Type	Material Only	Installed	Warranty
3-Tab Shingles Basic, flat appearance	$90/sq	$350/sq	20-25 years
Architectural (Most Common) Dimensional, textured look	$130/sq	$450/sq	30 years
Premium/Designer Luxury appearance, max durability	$200/sq	$650/sq	50 years / Lifetime
Standing Seam Metal Steel or aluminum panels	$400/sq	$1000/sq	40-70 years

Prices are national averages. Actual costs vary by region, roof complexity, and material availability.

Additional Line Items & Costs

Don't forget these when building your estimate.

Tear-off & disposal

$125/square

Remove existing shingles

Deck repair

$75/sheet

Replace damaged plywood

Ice & water shield

$120/roll

Ice & water shield (covers 66 sq ft)

Drip edge

$3.5/LF

Aluminum drip edge

Ridge cap

$65/bundle

Hip and ridge shingles

Synthetic underlayment

$50/roll

Synthetic underlayment (1000 sq ft)

Pipe boots

$25/each

Pipe boot/flashing

Skylight re-flash

$150/each

Re-flash existing skylight

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Pro tip: Budget 10-15% waste factor for shingles. Steep roofs (7/12+) and complex designs with valleys/dormers need more. Always quote ice & water shield at valleys, eaves, and around penetrations.

Roof Pitch Multipliers

Steeper roofs = more surface area. Use these factors to adjust flat measurements.

Pitch	Multiplier	Difficulty
3/12 - 4/12	1.03 - 1.05	Easy (walkable)
5/12 - 6/12	1.08 - 1.12	Easy (walkable)
7/12 - 9/12	1.16 - 1.25	Moderate (caution)
10/12 - 12/12	1.30 - 1.41	Steep (equipment needed)

How to use pitch multipliers

Multiply your flat roof measurement by the pitch factor to get actual surface area.

Actual sq ft = Flat sq ft × Pitch multiplier

Example calculation

A 2,000 sq ft footprint with a 7/12 pitch:
2,000 × 1.16 = 2,320 sq ft
= 23.2 squares

Quick Reference: Common Roof Replacement Costs

Small home (15 squares)

$5,500 - $9,000

~1,500 sq ft, architectural shingles

Average home (20-25 squares)

$8,000 - $15,000

~2,000-2,500 sq ft, architectural

Large home (30+ squares)

$12,000 - $25,000

3,000+ sq ft, varies by complexity

Roof repair (small area)

$300 - $1,000

Patch, replace damaged shingles

Leak repair

$400 - $1,500

Find and fix leak source

Ridge vent install

$400 - $800

Cut and install ridge ventilation

How to Estimate a Roofing Job

Measure the roof

Get the total square footage from satellite measurement, drone, or physical measurement. Don't forget to apply the pitch multiplier.

Count penetrations and features

Note all pipe boots, vents, skylights, chimneys, valleys, hips, and ridges. Each adds material and labor.

Calculate materials

Use the squares to calculate shingles, underlayment, and accessories. Add 10-15% waste.

Shingle bundles = Squares × 3 × 1.10 (for waste)

Estimate labor

A crew of 3 can typically install 15-25 squares per day on a standard roof. Add time for tear-off, steep pitch, or complexity.

Add overhead and profit

Most roofers add 15-25% overhead and 10-15% profit to direct costs. Don't forget insurance, permits, and dumpster rental.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a new roof cost per square in 2025?

In 2025, asphalt shingle roofing costs $350-$450 per square installed for architectural shingles. 3-tab shingles run $300-$400 per square. Premium designer shingles cost $500-$700 per square. Metal roofing ranges from $800-$1,200 per square installed.

How many bundles of shingles do I need per square?

Standard 3-bundle shingles require 3 bundles per square. Some heavier architectural shingles come in 4-bundle or 5-bundle coverage. Always check the coverage on the bundle—it should say how many bundles cover one square (100 sq ft).

What markup should roofers charge?

Most roofing contractors add 15-25% for overhead (insurance, equipment, office costs) and 10-15% for profit, totaling 25-40% above direct costs. During storm season with high demand, some contractors charge higher markups. For insurance restoration work, follow the carrier's pricing structure.

How long does it take to install a new roof?

A typical crew of 3-4 experienced roofers can tear off and replace 15-25 squares per day on a standard-pitch roof. An average home (20-25 squares) usually takes 1-2 days. Complex roofs with steep pitches, multiple valleys, or extensive repairs may take 3-4 days.