How many nails for a square of shingles?
Quick Answer
One roofing square (100 sq ft, 3 bundles) of standard 3-tab shingles requires approximately 320 nails — 4 nails per shingle, with 26 shingles per bundle and 3 bundles per square. For architectural (dimensional) shingles, use 4–6 nails per shingle, totaling 250–400 nails per square depending on wind zone.
Quick Reference Table
| Shingle type | Nails per roofing square |
|---|---|
| 3-Tab (standard wind zone) | 320 nails (4 per shingle) |
| 3-Tab (high wind zone) | 384 nails (6 per shingle) |
| Architectural (standard) | 252–336 nails |
| Architectural (high wind) | 336–420 nails |
How to Calculate It Yourself
- 1
Count shingles per square: 3 bundles × 26 shingles = 78 shingles per square (3-tab).
- 2
Multiply by nails per shingle: 78 × 4 = 312 nails (standard) or 78 × 6 = 468 (high wind).
- 3
For architectural shingles: ~63 shingles per square × 4–6 nails = 252–378 nails.
- 4
Add 10% for starter strip nails and ridge cap nails.
Pro Tip
Use 1-1/4" roofing nails for new decking; 1-3/4" or 2" nails when re-roofing over existing shingles. Nails must penetrate at least 3/4" into the roof deck to meet code.
Assumptions to Check
Before ordering materials, confirm the dimensions, product coverage, waste factor, and local installation requirements for your project. Manufacturer coverage tables and local code rules can change the final quantity, especially for structural work, exterior projects, and irregular layouts.
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