Costs · 4 min read
What Is a 'Square' in Roofing, and What Does One Cost?
Published
Roofing estimates use language that isn't obvious to anyone outside the trade. Understanding three terms makes bids comparable.
Square
One hundred square feet of roof area. A typical Troy ranch is 18 to 25 squares; a large two-story can be 35 to 45. Installed cost in our area currently runs roughly $450 to $700 per square for architectural shingles, all-in.
Pitch multiplier
Roof area is larger than the building footprint. A 6:12 pitch multiplies footprint by about 1.12; a 12:12 pitch by about 1.41. This is why steep roofs cost disproportionately more — more material and slower, harder labor.
Waste factor
Cutting shingles at hips, valleys, and rakes generates waste. Simple gable roofs run 10 percent; complex roofs with many hips run 15 to 20. A bid with no waste factor is going to run short.
Comparing bids
Ask each bidder for their square count. If two contractors measured the same roof and got numbers 20 percent apart, one of them is wrong and that's worth resolving before you sign.
| Material | Cost per square, installed | Squares on a typical home |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab asphalt shingle | $380 – $500 | 18 – 40 |
| Architectural asphalt shingle | $450 – $700 | 18 – 40 |
| Impact-resistant (Class 4) shingle | $600 – $850 | 18 – 40 |
| Standing seam metal | $1,100 – $1,900 | 18 – 40 |
| Steep-pitch surcharge (above 8:12) | +15% – 30% | — |
If any of this applies to your own home, our roof replacement crews handle it every week, and you can see how we work in your area on our Troy, Ohio roofing page. Inspections and written estimates are free either way — call 937-749-7767.