How Many Bundles of Shingles for 400 sq ft?
400 sq ft of roof surface is 4 roofing squares. With 10% waste and standard 3-bundle-per-square shingles you need 14 bundles. If 400 sq ft is the house footprint rather than the roof, multiply by the pitch factor first: at a 6/12 pitch that becomes 15 bundles.
Bundles for 400 sq ft of roof by waste factor
| Waste | Squares | 3 bundles / square | 4 bundles / square |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% (simple gable) | 4.2 | 13 | 17 |
| 10% (typical) | 4.4 | 14 | 18 |
| 15% (hips & valleys) | 4.6 | 14 | 19 |
| 20% (complex, cut-up) | 4.8 | 15 | 20 |
If 400 sq ft is the house footprint
Shingles cover the sloped roof, not the floor plan. Multiply the footprint (including overhangs) by the pitch factor to get roof surface:
Shingle cost for 400 sq ft
| Shingle type | Material per square | Total for 400 sq ft (+10%) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab shingles | $80–$120 | $352–$528 |
| Architectural shingles | $100–$160 | $440–$704 |
| Premium shingles | $160–$250 | $704–$1,100 |
Shingles only. Underlayment, flashing, ridge cap, disposal and labour are extra.
Nails and underlayment
| Underlayment | Typical roll coverage | Rolls (+10% laps) |
|---|---|---|
| Synthetic underlayment | 1,000 sq ft | 1 |
| #15 felt | 400 sq ft | 2 |
| #30 felt | 200 sq ft | 3 |
Nails: about 1,408 with a standard 4-nail pattern, or 2,112 with a 6-nail high-wind pattern. Check roll labels: coverage varies by brand.
Frequently asked questions
How many bundles of shingles do I need for 400 sq ft?
For 400 sq ft of roof surface you need 14 bundles of standard shingles (3 bundles per square) including 10% waste, or 14 bundles with 15% waste for a roof with hips and valleys. Heavier shingles packed 4 bundles per square need 18 bundles.
How many squares is 400 sq ft?
A roofing square is 100 sq ft, so 400 sq ft is 4 squares, or 4.4 squares once you add 10% for waste.
Is 400 sq ft the house size or the roof size?
Shingles are ordered by roof surface, which is larger than the house footprint because of the slope and overhangs. If 400 sq ft is your footprint, multiply it by your pitch factor: at 6/12 the roof is 447 sq ft and needs 15 bundles.
How much do shingles for 400 sq ft cost?
At typical material prices, shingles for 400 sq ft of roof (with 10% waste) cost about $352–$528 for 3-tab shingles, $440–$704 for architectural shingles, $704–$1,100 for premium shingles. That is materials only; installation usually costs more than the shingles.