Roof Cost per Square (2026)
Roofers price by the square: 100 sq ft of roof surface. Here is the 2026 installed cost per square for every common material, and how to turn it into a total.
How much does a roof cost per square?
Installed, most homeowners pay about $400–$900 per square for architectural asphalt shingles. Metal runs $450–$1,000 (exposed-fastener) to $1,000–$1,800 (standing seam), and tile or slate $700–$1,900 up to $1,500–$3,000. A square is 100 sq ft of roof surface, not floor area; see what a roofing square is.
| Material | Per square installed | Per sq ft | 20 squares (2,000 sq ft of roof) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-tab asphalt shingles | $350–$650 | $3.50–$6.50 | $7,000–$13,000 |
| Architectural asphalt shingles | $400–$900 | $4–$9 | $8,000–$18,000 |
| Premium / designer asphalt | $650–$1,300 | $6.50–$13 | $13,000–$26,000 |
| Exposed-fastener metal panels | $450–$1,000 | $4.50–$10 | $9,000–$20,000 |
| Standing-seam metal | $1,000–$1,800 | $10–$18 | $20,000–$36,000 |
| Concrete tile | $700–$1,900 | $7–$19 | $14,000–$38,000 |
| Clay tile | $1,100–$2,500 | $11–$25 | $22,000–$50,000 |
| Synthetic slate / shake | $1,200–$2,000 | $12–$20 | $24,000–$40,000 |
| Natural slate | $1,500–$3,000 | $15–$30 | $30,000–$60,000 |
| Cedar shake | $700–$1,500 | $7–$15 | $14,000–$30,000 |
| Low-slope membrane (TPO/EPDM) | $300–$1,100 | $3–$11 | $6,000–$22,000 |
From price per square to a total
Roof area is larger than the house footprint because of pitch and overhangs. Get it from the roof area calculator, the roofing squares calculator or the address estimate. Roofers also add a waste factor (see the waste factor calculator), so the squares on a bid run 10–15% above measured area.
| Roof size | Squares | Architectural shingles | Standing-seam metal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft of roof | 10 | $4,000–$9,000 | $10,000–$18,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft of roof | 15 | $6,000–$13,500 | $15,000–$27,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft of roof | 20 | $8,000–$18,000 | $20,000–$36,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft of roof | 25 | $10,000–$22,500 | $25,000–$45,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft of roof | 30 | $12,000–$27,000 | $30,000–$54,000 |
Why per-square prices differ between bids
- What's included: some bids quote material only, others include tear-off, underlayment, flashing and disposal. Compare like with like; see your roofing estimate, explained.
- Pitch and complexity: steep or cut-up roofs often add 10–20%.
- Minimums: small jobs (sheds, porches) are priced as a minimum charge, not per square.
Sources
- The Roofing Brief, 2026 Roofing Cost Report.
- RemodelCalculators, Roof Replacement Cost (2026).
- HomeGuide, How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost? (2026).
- HomeMatchup, Roofing Cost Index 2026.
Accessed October 2026. Where sources disagreed, the range spans them. These are the same ranges used on the roof replacement cost calculator. Treat every figure as directional; local bids vary.
Frequently asked questions
What is a square in roofing?
A roofing square is 100 sq ft of roof surface. A 2,000 sq ft roof is 20 squares.
How much does a roofer charge per square?
About $400–$900 per square installed for architectural shingles and $1,000–$1,800 for standing-seam metal, per 2026 national cost guides.
How many squares is a 2,000 sq ft house?
A one-story 2,000 sq ft house has about 2,440 sq ft of roof at a 6/12 pitch, or roughly 24 squares before waste.
Is this a quote?
No. It is a planning range from national averages. Get at least three written quotes.
Last reviewed 2026-10-30. Results are estimates for planning; confirm quantities with your supplier and requirements with your local building code and the manufacturer's instructions.