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How Many Square Feet In Roofing Square

November 29, 2025

2 min read

dilshadakram

A roofing square is 100 square feet. This is the standard unit that roofers use to measure roofs. When contractors talk about roof size, they use squares instead of total square feet. So a roof that is 2,000 square feet equals 20 squares. This makes it easier for roofers to estimate costs and materials.

Why Do Roofers Use Squares?

Roofers use squares because it is simple and fast. One square covers 100 square feet of roof space. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the average U.S. roof size is 2,647 square feet or 26.47 squares. Using squares helps roofers do math quickly on the job site.

Squares also make pricing easier. Most roofing materials are priced per square. This helps homeowners understand costs better.

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How to Calculate Your Roof Size in Squares

To find your roof size in squares, measure the total square feet. Then divide by 100. For example, if your roof is 1,700 square feet, divide 1,700 by 100. That equals 17 squares.

You can also measure roof length and width, then multiply them. A roof that is 100 feet long and 25 feet wide equals 2,500 square feet or 25 squares. Most roofing contractors will help you measure if you are not sure.

Roofing Material Costs Per Square

Different materials cost different amounts per square. According to RubyHome, roof installation costs range from $4 to $40 per square foot. For asphalt shingles, costs are $4.25 to $4.95 per square foot. Metal roofing costs $5.50 to $17.05 per square foot depending on the type.

Material TypeCost Per Square FootCost Per Square (100 sq. ft.)
Basic Asphalt Shingles$4.25, $4.95$425, $495
Architectural Asphalt$4.50, $8.25$450, $825
Metal Roofing$5.50, $17.05$550, $1,705
Slate Tiles$12.00, $22.00$1,200, $2,200

Typical Roof Replacement Cost in Squares

The average roof replacement cost is $9,526 according to RubyHome. For a 1,700 square foot roof (17 squares), costs range from $6,800 to $68,000 depending on materials chosen. Asphalt shingles are the cheapest option. About 80% of U.S. homes use asphalt shingles because they are affordable and last 20 to 30 years.

When you know your roof size in squares, you can multiply the cost per square by the number of squares. A 20-square roof with $450 per square shingles costs $9,000 before labor. Adding labor and extras usually brings the total to $10,000 to $15,000 for asphalt shingles on a typical home.

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