Bundles of Shingles: What's Required for Roofs in Nashville
August 20, 2026
The bundles of asphalt shingles contain about 21 to 29 shingles, and approximately 3 bundles are needed to cover 100 square feet. It equals one roofing square.
The number of bundles required depends on your roof size. In this blog, we will cover the cost of a bundle of shingles, the requirements for specific roof sizes, and tips for choosing the right materials.
What Is a Roofing Square?
Before you order anything, you have to understand the one unit every roofer speaks in: the roofing square. A roofing square is simply 100 square feet of roof surface. It is not a literal 10-by-10 box on your roof, just a shorthand that keeps material math simple. When a contractor tells you a roof is "20 squares," they mean 2,000 square feet of surface area.
Since one standard bundle covers roughly 33 square feet, it takes about three bundles to fill a single square. That three-bundles-per-square rule is the backbone of almost every estimate you will ever get.
How Many Shingles Are in a Bundle?
The number varies by shingle type. Three-tab asphalt shingles, the budget-friendly classic, usually pack 26 to 29 shingles per bundle. Architectural shingles run heavier and larger, so you get fewer, closer to 20 to 22 per bundle. Luxury or designer shingles are heavier still and may only hold 10 to 16 pieces, which means you sometimes need four or five bundles to cover a square instead of three.
No matter the count inside, the coverage stays close to 33 square feet per bundle. So the real question is never how many shingles you need. It is how many bundles.
You can also opt for metal roofs if you are looking for durability. But if you are confused between a metal roof and asphalt shingles, check this out.
Bundles Required for Popular Roof Sizes
Here is where it gets practical. These figures use the ground footprint and the standard three-bundles-per-square rule, with a 10 percent cushion added for waste from cuts, valleys, and ridge caps. Keep in mind that a steeper pitch adds surface area, so a very steep roof will push these numbers higher.
- 20 x 20 roof (400 sq ft): about 12 bundles, or roughly 13 with waste included
- 20 x 30 roof (600 sq ft): about 18 bundles, or roughly 20 with waste included
- 24 x 40 roof (960 sq ft): about 29 bundles, or roughly 32 with waste included
- 30 x 40 roof (1,200 sq ft): about 36 bundles, or roughly 40 with waste included
- 40 x 50 roof (2,000 sq ft): about 60 bundles, or roughly 66 with waste included
Treat these as starting estimates rather than the final order. Overhangs, dormers, and a steep slope all raise the true surface area, and the only way to nail the count is a proper measurement of the actual roof.
Cost of Bundles of Shingles in Nashville, TN
The bundles of shingles cost around $30 to $60 per bundle and $90 to $135 per square (100 sq ft). If you are ordering 60 bundles of shingles, it will cost you $1,800 to $3,600.
A bundle of basic three-tab shingles often lands in the lower range, while architectural bundles cost more because they are thicker and last longer. Luxury shingles sit at the top of the scale.
On top of the shingles themselves, your budget needs room for underlayment, nails, flashing, ridge caps, and labor, which together usually cost more than the shingles alone.
Because prices shift by region and by season, the smartest move is to get a written quote from a local roofing team rather than guessing from a per-bundle number.
Tips for Choosing the Right Shingle Bundle for Roofs
A few things make the choice easier:
- Start with your climate: In a place with hail, high winds, and big temperature swings, a heavier architectural shingle usually outlasts a basic three-tab and stands up better to storm and hail damage.
- Weigh the warranty: A longer manufacturer warranty often signals a more durable product.
- Match the look: Choose a color and style that suit your home and neighborhood so the roof adds curb appeal rather than clashing.
- Check the ratings: The wind and impact numbers printed on the wrapper tell you how the shingle performs under stress.
- Buy from one batch: Order all your bundles together to keep the color consistent across the whole roof.
