# Architectural vs 3-Tab Shingles 3-tab shingles are one flat layer; architectural shingles are two or more layers bonded together. Compared product by product from CertainTeed and IKO data: size, exposure, coverage per bundle, weight, and wind warranty. Guide page: (published 2026-10-06, updated 2026-10-06). This Markdown version has the guide's key points, outline, FAQs and sources; the full article, with its worked examples and diagrams, is on the page. ## Key takeaways - A 3-tab (strip) shingle is a single flat layer; an architectural (dimensional or laminated) shingle has two or more layers bonded together for a thicker, shadowed look. - Size depends on the product, not only the type: CertainTeed XT 25 3-tab is 12 x 36 in with a 5 in exposure, IKO Marathon Plus AR 3-tab is 13 1/4 x 39 3/8 in at 5 5/8 in, and IKO Cambridge laminated is 13 3/4 x 40 7/8 in at 5 7/8 in. - Coverage per bundle is a product figure: IKO lists 32.3 sq ft per bundle for Marathon Plus AR and 33 1/3 sq ft for Cambridge, so three Marathon bundles fall short of a 100 sq ft square. - Architectural shingles are heavier: CertainTeed lists Landmark at 211 to 225 lb per 100 sq ft and XT 25 at 190-203 per square (no unit printed on that sheet). - All four products list the same ASTM D3161 Class F and D7158 Class H wind classes; the gap is in the wind warranty, 60 mph for the 3-tabs against 110 mph for the laminated shingles. ## In this guide 1. [How they are built: one layer or two](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/architectural-vs-3-tab-shingles/#how-they-are-built) 2. [Size and exposure](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/architectural-vs-3-tab-shingles/#size-and-exposure) 3. [Four products compared](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/architectural-vs-3-tab-shingles/#four-products-compared) 4. [Bundles per square and coverage per bundle](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/architectural-vs-3-tab-shingles/#bundles-and-coverage) 5. [Weight per square](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/architectural-vs-3-tab-shingles/#weight) 6. [Wind ratings and wind warranties](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/architectural-vs-3-tab-shingles/#wind-ratings-and-warranties) 7. [What changes on the order](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/architectural-vs-3-tab-shingles/#what-changes-on-the-order) 8. [What drives the cost difference](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/architectural-vs-3-tab-shingles/#cost) 9. [Worked example: one roof, four products](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/architectural-vs-3-tab-shingles/#worked-example) 10. [Choosing between them](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/architectural-vs-3-tab-shingles/#choosing) ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between architectural and 3-tab shingles? Construction. CertainTeed describes 3-tab (strip) shingles as a single layer of asphalt with a flat look, and architectural (dimensional or laminate) shingles as two or more layers fused together for a thicker, multi-dimensional look that imitates wood shake or slate. ### Are architectural shingles heavier than 3-tab shingles? Generally, yes. CertainTeed says dimensional shingles are typically heavier than strip shingles. Its data sheets list Landmark at 211 to 225 lb per 100 sq ft, depending on the plant, and XT 25 3-tab at 190-203 per square, with no unit printed. ### Do architectural shingles have a better wind rating than 3-tab shingles? Not in the published test classes: CertainTeed XT 25, CertainTeed Landmark, IKO Marathon Plus AR, and IKO Cambridge all list ASTM D3161 Class F and D7158 Class H. The wind warranty differs: 60 mph for the two 3-tabs, 110 mph for the two laminated lines, with upgrades that have installation conditions. ### Does a bundle of 3-tab cover the same area as a bundle of architectural shingles? Not always. IKO lists 32.3 sq ft per bundle for Marathon Plus AR (3-tab) and 33 1/3 sq ft for Cambridge (laminated). CertainTeed sells both XT 25 and Landmark at 3 bundles per square. Count bundles from the coverage on the wrapper of the product you buy. ### Do architectural shingles need special hip and ridge caps? It depends on the line. CertainTeed's XT 25 sheet says to cap hips and ridges with field shingles of a like color, while its Landmark sheet calls for its Shadow Ridge, Cedar Crest, or Mountain Ridge shingles. Follow the hip and ridge instructions for the shingle you buy. ### Are 3-tab shingles still made? Yes, though in fewer lines. CertainTeed still offers XT 25 and IKO lists Marathon Plus AR. CertainTeed says strip shingles are now used most often on inexpensive new homes and to reroof houses that already have strips, while dimensional shingles are the most prevalent. ## Related calculators and guides ### Calculators - [Roofing Calculator](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/roofing-calculator/) — Roof area, roofing squares, and shingle bundles from a footprint and pitch, using the coverage on your shingle wrapper. - [Roof Pitch Calculator](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/roof-pitch-calculator/) — Pitch as x/12, roof angle in degrees, slope percentage, and the sloped length for a given horizontal run. ### Guides - [Roof Underlayment Basics: Synthetic, Felt, and Ice Barrier](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/roof-underlayment-basics/) — Underlayment and ice barrier explained, with laps, low-slope rules, and a worked roll count for a gable roof. - [How to Measure Roof Pitch](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/how-to-measure-roof-pitch/) — Measure rise over 12 in of run from the attic or roof, read an angle, or work it out from plans, then convert. ### Buying guides - [Best Roofing Nailers for DIY Reroofs (2026)](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/best/roofing-nailers/) — Six coil roofing nailers ranked on published specs for a DIY asphalt-shingle reroof, with the nails, magazine loads and battery charges worked out from the roofing calculator. ## Sources - [Types of Asphalt Roofing Shingles (CertainTeed)](https://www.certainteed.com/inspiration/how-tos/types-asphalt-roofing-shingles) — CertainTeed. Checked 2026-10-06. - [XT 25 Shingles technical data sheet (CertainTeed, 05/21)](https://certainteed.widen.net/content/iiefz0nwrz/pdf/XT25_TDS_CTRCOMM-015_2105_E.pdf) — CertainTeed. Used for: 12 × 36 in; 5 in weather exposure; 80 shingles per square; weight per square approx. 190–203 (the sheet prints no unit). Checked 2026-10-06. - [Landmark Shingles technical data sheet (CertainTeed, 08/24)](https://certainteed.widen.net/content/xnk5hrkbzv/pdf/Landmark_TDS_CTRCOMM-015_2408_E.pdf) — CertainTeed. Used for: 13 1/4 × 38 3/4 in; 5 5/8 in weather exposure; 65 shingles and 3 bundles per square; approx. 98.4 sq ft per square; 211 to 225 lb per 100 sq ft. Checked 2026-10-06. - [Roofing Selection Guide (CertainTeed, 06/26)](https://certainteed.widen.net/content/4wi6bh5vlh/pdf/roofing-selection-guide-00-00-253-US-EN-2606.pdf) — CertainTeed. Used for: XT 25: 12 × 36 in, 5 in exposure, 3 bundles per square, 5-year 60 mph wind-resistance warranty. Checked 2026-10-06. - [Landmark Shingles product page (CertainTeed)](https://www.certainteed.com/products/residential-roofing-products/landmark) — CertainTeed. Used for: 15-year 110 mph wind-resistance warranty; upgrade to 160 mph available with CertainTeed starter and hip and ridge. Checked 2026-10-06. - [Marathon Plus AR Traditional 3-Tab Shingles product page (IKO)](https://www.iko.com/na/product/marathon-plus-ar-traditional-3-tab-shingles/) — IKO Industries. Used for: 39 3/8 × 13 1/4 in; 5 5/8 in exposure; 32.3 sq ft and 21 shingles per bundle; 65 shingles per square; 60 mph limited wind warranty. Checked 2026-10-06. - [Cambridge architectural shingles product page (IKO)](https://www.iko.com/na/product/cambridge/) — IKO Industries. Used for: 40 7/8 × 13 3/4 in; 5 7/8 in exposure; 33 1/3 sq ft and 20 shingles per bundle; 110 mph limited wind warranty, 130 mph upgrade with High Wind Application. Checked 2026-10-06. - [Cambridge technical data sheet (IKO, 11/2023)](https://www.iko.com/na/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4220XXX_IKO_TDS_Cambridge_EN.pdf) — IKO Industries. Used for: 33.3 sq ft per bundle; 100 sq ft per three bundles; 4 nails standard, 6 for steep-slope or high-wind application. Checked 2026-10-06. - [How IKO Shingle Dimensions Provide an Advantage (IKO)](https://www.iko.com/na/blog/iko-shingle-dimensions/) — IKO Industries. Used for: Standard strip shingle 12 × 36 in; metric-size shingle 13-1/4 × 39-3/8 in. Checked 2026-10-06. - [How Many Square Feet in a Bundle of Shingles (IKO)](https://www.iko.com/na/blog/how-many-shingles-in-a-bundle/) — IKO Industries. Used for: 1 square = 100 sq ft; Cambridge 33.3 sq ft/bundle (3 per square); Armourshake 20 sq ft/bundle (5 per square). Checked 2026-10-04. **Estimate only.** Results are planning estimates computed from the numbers you enter. They are not engineering, structural, or code advice. Confirm quantities, product yields, and installation requirements with your supplier, the product label, and your local building authority before you order or build.