What unit of measurement is most commonly used for the area of shingles?

The most commonly used unit of measurement for the area of shingles is squares. A square is a unit that represents an area of 100 square feet. This terminology is specifically utilized in roofing to simplify the estimation process, allowing for easier calculation of the amount of material needed for a roofing job. Since shingles are sold and applied in increments that align with this unit, using squares facilitates clearer communication between roofing professionals and clients regarding the total area that needs to be covered.

While square feet and square meters are units of area, they are not the standard references in the roofing industry for purchasing or measuring shingles. Bundles refer to the way shingles are packaged and sold, but they do not effectively capture the area covered by those shingles in a conventional manner like squares do. Utilizing squares streamlines the planning and execution of roofing projects, making it the predominant choice within the field.