How Many Shingles for a 1,500 Sq Ft Roof?
Quick Answer
A 1,500 square foot roof requires 15 roofing squares, which equals 45 bundles of standard 3-tab shingles or 60 bundles of premium architectural shingles.
- 15 roofing squares (1 square = 100 sq ft)
- 45 bundles of 3-tab shingles (3 bundles per square)
- 60 bundles of premium shingles (4 bundles per square)
- Add 10–15% waste: order 50–52 bundles (3-tab) or 66–69 bundles (premium)
Formula
Divide total roof area by 100 to get roofing squares. Multiply squares by 3 for standard shingles or by 4 for premium architectural.
Step-by-Step Calculation
- 1
Calculate roofing squares
1,500 ÷ 100 = 15 squares
- 2
3-tab bundles needed
15 × 3 = 45 bundles
- 3
Add 15% waste
45 × 1.15 = 51.75 → order 52 bundles
- 4
Estimate underlayment
15 squares ÷ 4 (rolls per 4 squares) = 4 rolls of 15-lb felt
Shingle Requirements by Roof Size
| Roof Size | Squares | 3-Tab Bundles* | Arch. Bundles* | Shingle Cost** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 10 | 35 | 44 | $1,050–$2,200 |
| 1,500 sq ft | 15 | 52 | 66 | $1,560–$3,300 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 20 | 69 | 88 | $2,070–$4,400 |
| 2,500 sq ft | 25 | 87 | 110 | $2,600–$5,500 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 30 | 104 | 132 | $3,120–$6,600 |
*Includes 15% waste factor. **Materials only: $30–$50/bundle (3-tab) or $35–$65/bundle (architectural).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a roofing square?
A roofing "square" is a unit of measurement equal to 100 square feet of roof area. It is the standard unit for ordering roofing materials. A 1,500 sq ft roof = 15 squares.
How much does it cost to reshingle a 1,500 sq ft roof?
Materials cost $1,500–$3,300 for shingles plus $300–$600 for underlayment, flashing, and supplies. Professional installation adds $3,000–$6,000. Total: $4,800–$9,900 depending on materials and labor rates.
How long does it take to reshingle a 1,500 sq ft roof?
A professional crew of 3–4 workers can strip and reshingle a 1,500 sq ft roof in 1–2 days. Complex roofs with many valleys, dormers, or steep pitch may take 2–3 days.