What are the dimensions of roof ridge cap shingles?
Short answer. Pre-formed asphalt ridge cap shingles typically come as strips about 12 to 13 1/4 inches wide that split into three pieces, with an exposure of roughly 5 5/8 to 6 5/8 inches. A bundle commonly covers about 20 to 45 linear feet depending on the product, so always check the wrapper.
Asphalt hip and ridge shingles
- Piece width: about 12 to 13 1/4 inches across the ridge, folded so roughly half sits on each slope.
- Exposure: commonly about 5 5/8 to 6 5/8 inches for standard products. High profile caps often run longer.
- Bundle coverage: printed on the wrapper in linear feet. Standard products often cover roughly 25 to 45 feet; high profile products usually cover less.
Cut 3 tab caps
A 3 tab strip is 36 inches long (or about 39 3/8 inches in metric sizes), cut into three pieces about 12 inches wide and typically laid at a 5 inch exposure. This older method is less common now.
Metal ridge caps
Usually sold in 10 foot lengths with a few inches of overlap at each joint. The total width varies by panel system and profile, so order caps made for your specific panel.
How to estimate quantity
- Measure the length of all ridges and hips in feet.
- Divide by the bundle coverage on the wrapper.
- Round up and add a little for starter and finish pieces.
Example: 60 feet of ridge and hips with a product covering 33 feet per bundle needs 2 bundles, so buy 2 plus a spare if hips have tricky ends. For full roof takeoffs, see how roofers measure a roof and roof anatomy explained.