Free Roofing Estimate Calculator

Get an instant cost estimate for any roofing job. Enter your roof specs below — material costs, labor, tear-off, and accessories calculated automatically.

Roof Details

Typical home: 1,500–3,000 sqft

How to Estimate a Roofing Job

Accurate roofing estimates start with measuring the roof area correctly. You need the total square footage, including waste factor — a standard gable roof wastes about 10% of materials on cuts, while a complex hip roof with valleys can waste 15% or more.

Step 1: Measure the roof area. If you can't get on the roof, use satellite imagery (Google Earth, EagleView, or RoofSnap). Multiply length × width for each section, then add them together. A "square" in roofing equals 100 square feet.

Step 2: Choose your material. 3-tab shingles are cheapest (~$90/square for material) but only last 15-20 years. Architectural shingles ($130/square) are the sweet spot — 25-30 year warranty, better wind rating, and they look nicer. Metal ($200-350/square) lasts 40-60 years but costs 2-3× more upfront.

Step 3: Factor in complexity. Steep roofs (8/12+ pitch) require harnesses and safety equipment, adding 15-30% to labor. Multiple dormers, skylights, and chimney flashing add time and materials. A simple gable is always cheaper than a cut-up hip.

Step 4: Don't forget the hidden costs. Tear-off ($55-85/square), dumpster rental ($350-500), permits ($200-800 depending on city), underlayment, drip edge, flashing, and ridge cap all add up. Our calculator includes these automatically.

Roofing Estimate FAQ

How much does a new roof cost in 2026?

A new asphalt shingle roof for a typical 2,000 sqft home costs $8,000–$15,000 installed. Metal roofs run $15,000–$30,000. Tile can exceed $35,000. Prices vary significantly by material, roof pitch, complexity, number of stories, and your location.

How do I calculate roofing squares?

Divide total roof area in square feet by 100. A 2,200 sqft roof = 22 squares. Add 10–15% for waste depending on roof complexity. You'll need 3 bundles of standard shingles per square.

What's included in a professional roofing estimate?

A complete estimate includes: materials (shingles, underlayment, drip edge, flashing, ridge cap, pipe boots), labor, tear-off of old roofing, dumpster rental & dump fees, permits, and overhead/profit margin. BidForge calculates all of these automatically.

Should I get multiple roofing estimates?

Yes — get 3 estimates minimum. But the lowest bid isn't always the best. Look for licensed, insured contractors who include warranty details, a clear scope of work, and don't ask for full payment upfront. BidForge helps contractors create estimates that win on professionalism, not just price.

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