Drywall Calculator
Calculate drywall materials for your project.
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'x8', 4'x10', or 4'x12'.
- 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.
Calculation Examples
Standard Drywall Sheet Sizes
| Sheet Size | Coverage | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4' x 8' | 32 sq ft | $12-15 | Standard walls, easy handling |
| 4' x 10' | 40 sq ft | $15-20 | Tall walls, fewer joints |
| 4' x 12' | 48 sq ft | $18-25 | High ceilings, minimal seams |
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate drywall for ceilings?
Measure length x width of ceiling area. Add this to your total square footage. Ceilings typically use 1/2" or 5/8" 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 1-1/4" screws for 1/2" drywall, 1-5/8" screws for 5/8" 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.
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 (1-1/4" for 1/2" 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