How many nails per shingle: the code's minimum, the right nail, and the wind rating
At least four nails per strip shingle, or two per individual shingle, or more where the shingle maker's instructions call for it (IRC R905.2.6). The nails are galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum or copper roofing nails with at least a 12 gauge shank and a 3/8 inch head, long enough to go 3/4 inch into the deck or through it (IRC R905.2.5).
Anthony Hicks30+ years in construction. Updated November 5, 2026.
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The count
The residential code sets a floor and hands the rest to the shingle maker (IRC R905.2.6):
| Shingle | Nails, at least |
|---|---|
| Strip shingle, 3-tab or architectural | 4 per shingle |
| Individual shingle | 2 per shingle |
| Any shingle where the maker’s instructions ask for more | The maker’s number |
On a roof steeper than 21:12, the shingles go on by the maker’s approved instructions. The nailing line or zone marked on the shingle, and the instructions printed on the bundle, show where each nail goes.
The nail
The code’s nail for asphalt shingles (IRC R905.2.5):
- Material: galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum or copper roofing nails, complying with ASTM F1667.
- Shank: at least 12 gauge, 0.105 inch.
- Head: at least 3/8 inch across.
- Length: enough to go through the roofing and at least 3/4 inch into the sheathing, or all the way through sheathing thinner than 3/4 inch.
Over 7/16 inch OSB or 1/2 inch plywood, that means the nail comes through the underside of the deck. The roof decking guide covers the sheathing itself.
The wind rating on the bundle
Asphalt shingles are tested for wind and labeled with their class, and the code ties the class to the design wind speed where the house is (IRC Table R905.2.4.1):
| Ultimate design wind speed, up to | ASTM D7158 class | ASTM D3161 class |
|---|---|---|
| 116 mph | D, G or H | A, D or F |
| 129 mph | G or H | A, D or F |
| 142 to 155 mph | G or H | F |
| 168 to 194 mph | H | F |
A shingle’s wind warranty can also depend on how it’s nailed; the starter shingles guide covers GAF’s starter strip condition.
Common questions
How many nails per shingle?
At least four per strip shingle, two per individual shingle, or the maker’s number where it’s higher (IRC R905.2.6).
How many nails per square of shingles?
Four times the shingles in a square. The bundle label says how many bundles cover a square, and the shingles in each; multiply out and add the starter and ridge cap.
What size nails for shingles?
Roofing nails with at least a 12 gauge shank and a 3/8 inch head, long enough to go 3/4 inch into the deck or through it (IRC R905.2.5).
Can you use staples on shingles?
The 2021 residential code lists roofing nails as the fasteners for asphalt shingles (IRC R905.2.5).