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.