How to use this calculator
- Enter Roof squares.
- Enter Material.
- Enter Tear-off layers — or tap a preset badge to auto-fill a typical value.
- Press Calculate. The highlighted row is your order quantity; the note beneath it translates the number into real-world terms.
Formula & constants
2026 installed per square: asphalt shingles $350–$550, metal $700–$1,400, tile $900–$1,800. Squares × rate = replacement budget; tear-off of old layers adds $100–$175/square. Every default in the fields above is editable — when your supplier’s spec sheet lists a different density, coverage rate or price, enter that number instead. The waste and compaction allowances follow common trade practice; see our methodology page for the derivation of each formula and the standards it references.
Where this fits in the project
Roof takeoffs start from the footprint corrected by pitch: get true area from the roof square footage calculator, convert to squares, then to shingle bundles or metal panels. Size gutters from the same perimeter measurement.
How this connects to your project
No quantity stands alone — each material in the chain depends on the ones around it. These are the planning steps that pair with the roofing cost calculator:
- Roofing Calculator — Estimate cost from calculated roofing squares.
- Shingle Calculator — Shingle material is a primary roofing expense.
- Metal Roofing Calculator — Compare shingle vs metal roofing costs.
- Roof Pitch Calculator — Steeper pitch increases labor costs.
- Roof Square Footage Calculator — Total roof area drives material and labor costs.
- Roof Truss Calculator — Truss replacement adds to roofing project cost.
- Gutter Calculator — Gutter replacement often accompanies roofing projects.
- Siding Calculator — Roof and siding projects are often done together.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a new roof in 2026?
A typical 20-square asphalt roof runs $9,000–$13,000 installed including single-layer tear-off.
Is metal worth the premium?
2–3× the upfront cost but 40–70 year life vs 15–30 for shingles — it wins on lifecycle in most climates.
Last verified: — prices reflect current national averages. See our methodology.
Estimates are for planning. Material densities, coverage rates and prices vary by region and supplier — confirm final quantities before ordering, and check local code where structural or electrical work is involved.