Roofing shingles are sold by the square, which is 100 square feet of roofing material. Most contractors and suppliers sell them this way because it makes math easier and faster. A typical roof needs many squares, and prices change based on the type of shingle you pick. Understanding how shingles are sold helps you know what to expect when you get a roof replaced or repaired.
What Is a Roofing Square?
A square equals 100 square feet. This is the standard way the roofing industry measures and sells shingles.
If your roof is 2,000 square feet, you need 20 squares of shingles. Contractors use this number to give you prices and estimate how long the job will take. It keeps everyone on the same page.
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How Much Do Shingles Cost Per Square?
Prices vary a lot based on shingle type. According to RubyHome (2025), basic asphalt shingles cost between $4.25 and $4.95 per square foot, or roughly $425 to $495 per square. Architectural asphalt shingles are more expensive, ranging from $4.50 to $8.25 per square foot.
For a 1,700 square foot roof, installation costs range from $6,800 to $68,000 depending on material choice. Steel shingles run about $8 to $12.65 per square foot. Cedar shingles cost $8 to $14.30 per square foot. Premium materials like copper tiles can reach $21 to $39.70 per square foot.
| Shingle Type | Cost Per Sq. Ft. | Cost Per Square |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Asphalt | $4.25-$4.95 | $425-$495 |
| Architectural Asphalt | $4.50-$8.25 | $450-$825 |
| Metal | $5.50-$17.05 | $550-$1,705 |
| Cedar Shakes | $8.00-$14.30 | $800-$1,430 |
Why Asphalt Shingles Dominate the Market
Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular choice in America. According to RubyHome (2025), asphalt shingles account for roughly 80% of all roofing projects. This is because they are affordable and last a decent amount of time.
Basic three-tab shingles make up 42% of asphalt shingle sales. Architectural shingles account for 33%. The average roof replacement cost in the U.S. is $9,526, according to RubyHome (2025), making asphalt the budget-friendly option for most homeowners.
Asphalt roofs typically last 20 to 30 years depending on weather and care. Metal roofing lasts much longer, up to 40 to 80 years, but costs more upfront.
Where to Buy Roofing Shingles
Most homeowners do not buy shingles themselves. Instead, roofing contractors purchase them and include the cost in your final bill. According to RubyHome (2025), roughly 79% of homeowners hire contractors for roof work rather than doing it themselves.
Contractors buy shingles from roofing suppliers and building material warehouses. They get bulk discounts that homeowners do not. The contractor’s price includes labor, materials, removal of old shingles, and disposal fees.
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Talk with a local roofing solutions to review your options and get a detailed estimate for your project.