What Is a Roofing Square? Understanding the Basics for Georgia Homeowners

What Is a Roofing Square? Understanding the Basics for Georgia Homeowners

If you’re planning to repair or replace your roof, chances are you’ve heard the term “roofing square.” But what does it actually mean? At Roofing Georgia, we believe in educating our customers so you can make confident decisions about your home. Here’s a simple breakdown of what a roofing square is and why it matters during your roofing project.

A roofing square is a unit of measurement used in the roofing industry to simplify estimates and material ordering. One roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof surface area. So instead of saying your roof is 2,300 square feet, a contractor might say it’s 23 squares. This shorthand helps roofers communicate quickly and clearly when discussing the size of a project.

Why use squares instead of just square feet? Roofing squares allow contractors to calculate how many bundles of shingles, rolls of underlayment, or other materials are needed with better precision. Most asphalt shingles are packaged in bundles, and it typically takes three bundles to cover one roofing square. So if your roof is 20 squares, you’ll need roughly 60 bundles of shingles—not counting extra for waste, cuts, or ridge caps.

It’s also important to note that the number of squares doesn’t always match the square footage of your home. Roofs have pitch, angles, overhangs, and other features that increase the surface area. A home with a steep roof may require more materials than a similarly sized home with a flat roof, even if their footprints are identical. That’s why an on-site roof inspection is crucial for an accurate estimate.

At Roofing Georgia, we use drone technology, roof measurement software, and hands-on inspections to calculate your roof’s exact square footage. This helps us give precise estimates, avoid over-ordering materials, and ensure you only pay for what you need.

So next time you hear someone say your roof is “28 squares,” you’ll know they mean 2,800 square feet of roofing surface—not your home’s floor plan. It’s just another way roofers keep projects efficient and standardized across the industry.

Need help understanding your roofing estimate? Roofing Georgia is here to walk you through every detail—from measuring and quoting to replacing and protecting your roof with expert care. Contact us today for a clear, honest roof assessment.