Starter Strip Calculator

Calculate the exact amount of starter strip shingles needed for eaves and rakes

Fast calculation from roof perimeter

Quick presets

ft

Estimated Materials

0 bundles

0.0 squares • 0 sq ft

PRO

Professional Calculator

Extended parameters for precise calculations

sq ft

Estimated Materials

60 bundles

Roof Area

1,792 sq ft

Squares

17.9

Detailed Breakdown

Roof Area1,792 sq ft
With Waste1,971 sq ft
Roofing Squares17.9
Bundles60
How to Use This Calculator
The Starter Strip Calculator tells you exactly how many rolls or bundles of starter shingles to order for your roof.

Quick Estimate tab: Enter the total roof perimeter (eaves plus rakes combined) and select whether you are using starter rolls or starter shingle bundles. The calculator divides by the coverage per roll (120 ft) or per bundle (105 ft) and rounds up. This is the fastest way to add starter strip to your material order.

Detailed tab: Enter separate measurements for eave length and rake length. Choose whether you are installing starter at both eaves and rakes (recommended for warranty compliance) or eaves only. Select your starter type and waste factor. The calculator provides a precise unit count. Use this tab when you have measured the roof and want an exact order.

Cost tab: Enter your perimeter, starter type, and state to get a material and labor cost estimate. Starter strip installation is typically included in the overall shingle installation labor, but this tab shows the incremental material cost so you can budget accurately.

The Formula
The starter strip calculation uses these formulas:

For starter rolls (120 lin ft coverage per roll): Rolls = Total Linear Footage × (1 + Waste%) / 120 For 170 ft with 10% waste: 170 × 1.10 / 120 = 1.56 -> 2 rolls

For starter shingle bundles (105 lin ft coverage per bundle): Bundles = Total Linear Footage × (1 + Waste%) / 105 For 170 ft with 10% waste: 170 × 1.10 / 105 = 1.78 -> 2 bundles

Eaves-only vs. Eaves + Rakes: Eaves only: Total = Eave Length Eaves + Rakes: Total = Eave Length + Rake Length

Material Cost: Rolls: Count × $40 avg | Bundles: Count × $35 avg
Example Calculation
Example: Average Home in North Carolina

Jenn has a 1,700 sq ft gable-roof home in Charlotte, NC. The building is 50 ft long and 34 ft wide with a 5/12 pitch.

Step 1: Measure eaves and rakes Eave length: 2 × 50 ft = 100 ft Rafter length: (34/2) × 1.083 pitch multiplier = 18.4 ft Rake length: 4 × 18.4 ft = 73.6 ft Total perimeter: 100 + 73.6 = 173.6 ft

Step 2: Calculate starter rolls (eaves + rakes) With 10% waste: 173.6 × 1.10 = 190.96 ft Rolls at 120 ft each: 190.96 / 120 = 1.59 -> 2 rolls

Step 3: Estimate cost
• Starter rolls: 2 × $40 = $80
• Installation: included in shingle labor
• Total starter strip cost: ~$80

Note: If Jenn had a hip roof (no rakes, 140 ft eave perimeter), she would need only 140 × 1.10 / 120 = 1.28 -> 2 rolls at the eaves only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is starter strip and why do I need it?
Starter strip is a row of shingles or continuous roll installed along the eave (and often rakes) before the first course of field shingles. It provides a critical adhesive sealant strip that bonds the first course of shingles and prevents wind uplift. Without starter strip, the bottom edge of the first shingle course has no adhesive seal and is vulnerable to blow-offs. Most shingle manufacturers require it for warranty compliance.
Should I use starter strip at rakes too, or just eaves?
Most major shingle manufacturers (GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning) require starter strip at both eaves and rakes for full warranty coverage. Starter at rakes provides a sealed adhesive edge that prevents wind from lifting shingles at the gable ends. In high-wind zones (coastal areas, tornado alley), starter at rakes is especially important.
How much does starter strip cost in 2026?
In 2026, a starter roll costs $30-50 and covers approximately 120 linear feet. Starter shingle bundles cost $25-45 and cover about 105 linear feet. For an average home with 170 ft of eave and rake perimeter, starter strip materials cost $50-85. This is one of the least expensive but most important roofing accessories.
Can I use regular shingles instead of starter strip?
Historically, contractors used inverted 3-tab shingles as starter. This still works but has downsides: the adhesive strip may not align properly with the first course, and it wastes material since you are using full-price shingles for a hidden layer. Manufactured starter strip is designed with the sealant in the correct position, is faster to install (especially rolls), and costs less per foot.
What is the difference between starter rolls and starter shingle bundles?
Starter rolls are a continuous 7-inch-wide strip that unrolls along the eave or rake, making installation very fast. Starter shingle bundles contain individual pieces (usually about 65" long) that are laid like shingles. Rolls are faster and provide more consistent sealant coverage. Bundles may be preferred on complex rooflines where pieces are easier to work around obstacles. Both provide the same function.

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