Drywall Calculator
Calculate the exact number of drywall sheets, joint compound, screws, and tape needed for your wall and ceiling projects. Get accurate material estimates based on room dimensions and openings.
Drywall Calculator
Calculate drywall sheets and materials for your project
Room Dimensions
Drywall Installation Tips
- • Standard door opening is ~20 sq ft, window is ~12 sq ft
- • Add 5-15% waste for cuts and mistakes
- • Use 1¼" screws for ½" drywall on wood studs
- • Space screws 12" on center for walls, 8" for ceilings
- • Always measure twice and cut once
How to Use the Drywall Calculator
- Enter room dimensions: Input length, width, and height for each room in feet.
- Select sheet size: Choose from standard sizes like 4'×8', 4'×10', or 4'×12'.
- Count openings: Enter the number of doors and windows to subtract from wall area.
- Add waste percentage: Include 5-15% extra for cuts, mistakes, and future repairs.
- Review results: Get sheets needed, joint compound, screws, tape, and total costs.
Standard Drywall Sheet Sizes
| Sheet Size | Coverage | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4' × 8' | 32 sq ft | $12-15 | Standard walls, easy handling |
| 4' × 10' | 40 sq ft | $15-20 | Tall walls, fewer joints |
| 4' × 12' | 48 sq ft | $18-25 | High ceilings, minimal seams |
Types of Drywall & Applications
By Thickness
- 1/4" (6mm): Curved walls, repairs, overlays
- 3/8" (9.5mm): Existing walls, mobile homes
- 1/2" (12.7mm): Most common for walls and ceilings
- 5/8" (15.9mm): Fire-rated, soundproofing, commercial
Special Purpose Types
- Regular: Standard interior walls and ceilings
- Moisture-resistant: Bathrooms, kitchens, basements
- Fire-resistant: Garages, furnace rooms, commercial
- Soundproof: Media rooms, bedrooms, offices
Drywall Installation Best Practices
Hanging Drywall
- • Install ceilings before walls
- • Use proper screw spacing (12" walls, 8" ceilings)
- • Stagger joints between rows
- • Keep screws slightly below surface
- • Cut openings after hanging when possible
Finishing Process
- • Apply tape and first coat of compound
- • Sand lightly between coats
- • Apply second coat, feathering edges
- • Final coat should be smooth and wide
- • Prime before painting for best results
Additional Materials & Tools Needed
Materials
- • Drywall screws (1¼" for ½" drywall)
- • Joint compound (pre-mixed or powder)
- • Paper or fiberglass mesh tape
- • Corner bead for outside corners
- • Primer and paint
Essential Tools
- • Drywall saw or utility knife
- • Screw gun or drill
- • Taping knives (4", 6", 10")
- • Mud pan for compound
- • Sanding blocks or pole sander
Related Construction Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate drywall for ceilings?
Measure length × width of ceiling area. Add this to your total square footage. Ceilings typically use ½" or ⅝" drywall.
How much joint compound do I need?
Generally, plan for 1 gallon of compound per 100 square feet of drywall for all three coats of finishing.
What size drywall screws should I use?
Use 1¼" screws for ½" drywall, 1⅝" screws for ⅝" drywall. For metal studs, use self-drilling screws.
How long does drywall installation take?
Hanging typically takes 1-2 days, but finishing (taping, mudding, sanding) takes 3-5 days with drying time between coats.