How to Calculate Roofing Squares Like a Pro
Getting accurate roof measurements is essential for planning roofing projects and estimating material costs. One key term to understand is a roofing square. A roofing square is a unit of measurement that equals 100 square feet, or a 10x10 foot area. It helps roofers and homeowners estimate materials more efficiently.
Step 1: Measure the Roof Planes
Start by identifying all the separate flat sections of your roof. For each section:
Measure the length and width in feet.
Multiply the two numbers to find the total area for that section in square feet.
Example: If one section is 25 feet long and 20 feet wide: 25 x 20 = 500 square feet
Step 2: Add It All Together
Next, total the square footage of each section. If your roof has multiple planes, repeat the process and add them up to get the entire surface area.
Example: Two planes at 500 square feet each equals: 500 + 500 = 1,000 square feet
Step 3: Convert to Roofing Squares
Take the total square footage and divide it by 100 to find the number of roofing squares.
1,000 ÷ 100 = 10 roofing squares
This helps you estimate how much material to order, since most roofing products are sold by the square.
Step 4: Account for Roof Pitch
If your roof is steep, the actual surface area is greater than what’s measured flat. This is where pitch adjustment comes in.
Roof pitch is the slope or steepness.
Steeper roofs need a pitch multiplier to adjust the measurements.
Example: For a medium-slope roof, multiply the total square footage by about 1.12 for a more accurate estimate. If your roof is 1,000 square feet: 1,000 x 1.12 = 1,120 square feet adjusted Then convert to roofing squares: 1,120 ÷ 100 = 11.2 roofing squares
Helpful Tip: If your home has a unique design or high slope, working with experienced roofing professionals ensures accurate measurements and safe planning. When you’re considering roof upgrades or repairs, start with an inspection through reliable residential roofing services to determine what’s best for your home.
