How many shingles in a bundle

 

How Many Shingles in a Bundle? A Complete Guide

Introduction to Shingle Bundles

When planning a roofing project, one of the first questions that pops into a homeowner’s mind is: How many shingles are in a bundle? Roofing shingles aren’t usually sold individually (except in rare cases). Instead, they come in bundles, making them easier to transport, handle, and calculate for installation. If you’ve ever walked into a hardware store or talked to a roofing contractor, you’ve probably heard the term “bundle” countless times. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it the standard way to sell shingles?

Shingle bundles exist primarily for convenience. Imagine carrying an entire roof’s worth of shingles in one giant package—that would be impossible! Bundles break down the total amount into smaller, more manageable loads. Typically, each bundle weighs between 50 to 80 pounds, making it something one or two people can carry without needing heavy machinery.

Interestingly, the idea of bundling shingles goes way back to when wood shakes were the most popular roofing material. Loggers and roofers would literally tie wood shingles into manageable stacks (or “bundles”) that could be transported more easily. Over time, this practice carried into asphalt shingles, which dominate the roofing market today.

Another reason shingles are sold in bundles is to align with the roofing industry’s measurement system: the roofing square. A roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof surface. Manufacturers package shingles so that three bundles (on average) equal one roofing square. This makes calculating the number of bundles needed for a roof much simpler for contractors and DIY homeowners alike.

In short, shingles are sold in bundles for practical reasons: portability, standardized calculations, and ease of storage. Without bundles, roofing projects would be much harder to plan and complete efficiently.

Standard Number of Shingles in a Bundle

So, let’s get to the point: how many shingles are actually in a bundle? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think because it depends on the type, style, and manufacturer.

Asphalt Shingles (Most Common Type)

Asphalt shingles are the most widely used roofing material in North America. They’re affordable, durable, and relatively easy to install. For these shingles, the standard rule is:

  • Three bundles cover one roofing square (100 sq. ft.)

  • Depending on the manufacturer, one bundle may contain 21 to 29 shingles.

However, the exact count varies depending on the cut and style. For example:

  • 3-tab shingles usually come with 26 to 29 shingles per bundle.

  • Architectural or dimensional shingles are thicker, so they often have only 20 to 22 shingles per bundle.

Even though the number of shingles differs, the coverage area remains fairly consistent—about 33.3 sq. ft. per bundle.

Wood Shakes and Shingles

Wood roofing materials, such as cedar shakes, are packaged differently. Instead of counting by individual pieces, manufacturers usually sell them by coverage area. A bundle of wood shingles might cover only 25 square feet, meaning you need more bundles per roofing square than asphalt shingles.

Metal and Other Specialty Roofing

Metal roofing, slate, and tile typically don’t come in “bundles” the way asphalt shingles do. They’re usually sold individually or by the square. For example, slate tiles are heavy and fragile, so they’re packaged in crates instead of bundles.

In conclusion, the standard number of shingles per bundle depends on the type:

  • Asphalt: 21–29 shingles (covers ~33 sq. ft.)

  • Wood: Varies, usually smaller coverage

  • Specialty: Sold differently, often by piece or crate

This makes it crucial to check the packaging details before purchasing, as not all bundles are created equal.

Factors Affecting the Number of Shingles per Bundle

You might assume every bundle of shingles is identical, but that’s not the case. Several factors affect how many shingles go into a bundle, and understanding these differences can save you from costly mistakes during your roofing project.

Shingle Type and Style

As mentioned earlier, 3-tab shingles are thinner and lighter, so manufacturers can fit more into a bundle. Architectural shingles, on the other hand, are heavier and designed to create a layered look, which means fewer fit into a bundle. Luxury shingles, which are even thicker and more decorative, may have an even smaller count per bundle.

Manufacturer Differences

Not all brands package shingles the same way. For example, GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning may have slight differences in how many shingles they put into a bundle, even if the coverage area is the same. That’s why it’s important not to buy bundles from different brands for the same roof unless you’re prepared for mismatched sizes and colors.

Thickness and Weight Considerations

The weight of the bundle also plays a huge role. Since bundles are designed to be carried by hand, manufacturers typically keep them under 80 pounds. If shingles are thicker and heavier, fewer pieces can be included in a bundle without exceeding this weight limit.

In other words, bundles aren’t designed to contain a set number of shingles—they’re designed to be manageable in size and weight while still covering about one-third of a roofing square..