🧱
Drywall Calculator
Calculate drywall sheets, joint compound, tape, and screws needed for your room. Includes waste factor and material cost estimates.
Calculator Mode
📐
Room Dimensions
ft
ft
ft
Wall area: 384 sq ft | Ceiling: 144 sq ft
Drywall Sheets
11 sheets (4x8)
Total Area345 sq ft
Joint Compound3 buckets
📦Materials Shopping List
11
Drywall Sheets
4x8 (1/2" thick)
3
Joint Compound
4.5 gal buckets
1
Paper Tape
500 ft rolls
3
Screw Boxes
1 lb boxes (~150)
4
Corner Bead
8 ft pieces
Drywall Reference
Common Thicknesses
- 1/4": Curved walls, repairs
- 3/8": Recover old walls
- 1/2": Standard walls
- 5/8": Ceilings, fire-rated
Screw Spacing
- Field: 12" apart
- Edges: 8" apart
- Ceiling: 8" apart
- Set 3/8" from edges
Pro Tips
- Hang ceiling sheets first, then walls
- Stagger seams between rows for strength
- Use 5/8" drywall for ceilings to prevent sagging
- Score and snap drywall for clean cuts
- Use mesh tape for repairs, paper tape for new work
Related Calculators
About This Calculator
Drywall installation is one of the most common construction projects in America, with over 30 billion square feet installed annually. Whether you are finishing a basement, renovating a room, or building new, accurate material calculations prevent costly overbuying and frustrating mid-project shortages. This comprehensive drywall calculator determines exact quantities for sheets, joint compound, tape, screws, and corner bead based on your room dimensions.
In 2026, drywall installation costs $1.50-$3.50 per square foot installed, with standard 4×8 sheets running $10-20 each. A typical 12×12 room costs $580-$1,800 to drywall professionally. Labor represents 60-75% of total costs, making DIY installation extremely attractive for homeowners comfortable with the work—potential savings of $800-$2,500 on an average room.
Understanding material requirements before shopping eliminates multiple store trips and ensures you have everything needed for a professional finish. This calculator accounts for waste factors, door and window openings, ceiling coverage, and provides a complete materials list with current 2026 pricing estimates.
Trusted Sources
Gypsum Association(Industry standards for drywall installation and finishing)GA-216 Finishing Standards(Official finish level specifications)ASTM C840 Standard(Application and finishing of gypsum board)USG Drywall Installation Guide(Manufacturer technical resources and specifications)National Gypsum Technical Library(Product specifications and installation guidance)
How to Use the Drywall Calculator
- 1Enter your room dimensions: length, width, and ceiling height. For multiple rooms, calculate each separately or enter combined wall perimeter length.
- 2Specify the number of standard doors (typically 21 sq ft each) and windows (typically 15 sq ft each) to subtract from wall area.
- 3Select your preferred drywall sheet size: 4×8 is standard for DIY; 4×10 for 9-10ft ceilings; 4×12 for fewer joints and professional work.
- 4Toggle "Include Ceiling" if drywalling the ceiling—this adds ceiling area to total square footage and adjusts screw requirements (ceilings need closer spacing).
- 5Use Advanced mode to specify drywall thickness, select specialty types (moisture-resistant, fire-rated), and add corner bead quantities.
- 6Review the complete materials list including sheets, joint compound, tape, screws, and corner bead with current 2026 cost estimates.
- 7Print your shopping list—quantities include appropriate waste factors already calculated.
Formula
Sheets Needed = (Wall Area × Waste Factor) ÷ Sheet Square FootageThe formula calculates total wall area (perimeter × height), subtracts openings (doors at 21 sq ft, windows at 15 sq ft each), applies a 12-15% waste factor for cuts and mistakes, then divides by sheet size (32, 40, or 48 sq ft depending on sheet dimensions).
2026 Drywall Material Costs
Drywall Sheet Prices (Per Sheet)
| Type | 4×8 Sheet | 4×10 Sheet | 4×12 Sheet | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 1/2" | $10-14 | $13-17 | $15-20 | Most walls |
| Standard 5/8" | $12-16 | $15-20 | $18-24 | Ceilings, between floors |
| Lightweight 1/2" | $12-16 | $15-19 | $18-22 | Easier handling |
| Moisture-Resistant (Green) | $12-20 | $15-24 | $18-28 | Kitchens, bathrooms |
| Mold-Resistant (Purple) | $14-22 | $17-26 | $20-30 | Basements, high humidity |
| Fire-Rated (Type X) 5/8" | $14-18 | $17-22 | $20-26 | Garage walls, fire separations |
| Soundproof (QuietRock) | $45-60 | $55-75 | $65-90 | Media rooms, bedrooms |
Other Materials
| Material | Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Joint compound (5 gal bucket) | $18-25 | 375-400 sq ft |
| Paper tape (500 ft roll) | $5-8 | 1,000 sq ft |
| Mesh tape (300 ft roll) | $8-12 | 600 sq ft |
| Drywall screws (1 lb) | $4-6 | 60-80 screws |
| Corner bead (8 ft) | $2-5 | Per corner |
| Metal corner bead | $2-3 | Standard |
| Paper-faced corner bead | $3-5 | Easier finish |
| Vinyl corner bead | $4-6 | Dent-resistant |
Installation Cost Breakdown 2026
Professional Installation Costs
| Project Type | Cost per SF | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic hang only | $1.00-1.50 | Hanging sheets |
| Hang and tape (Level 3) | $1.50-2.25 | Tape and one coat mud |
| Full finish (Level 4) | $2.00-2.75 | Standard texture-ready |
| Smooth finish (Level 5) | $2.75-3.50 | Paint-ready, no texture |
| Ceiling installation | $2.00-3.50 | 15-30% premium |
Labor Cost Factors
- Drywall contractor hourly rate: $45-75/hour
- Labor represents 60-75% of total project cost
- Complex layouts (angles, curves) add 25-50%
- High ceilings (10ft+) add 20-30%
- Fire-rated assemblies add 15-25%
Project Cost Examples (2026)
| Room | Size | Walls Only | With Ceiling | Full Finish Level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | 5×8 | $150-300 | $250-450 | $400-650 |
| Bedroom | 12×12 | $350-700 | $580-1,100 | $850-1,800 |
| Living Room | 15×20 | $500-1,000 | $900-1,700 | $1,300-2,800 |
| Basement | 800 SF | $1,200-2,400 | $2,000-4,000 | $2,800-5,600 |
| 2-Car Garage | 400 SF | $600-1,200 | — | $1,000-3,900 |
Drywall Thickness and Type Selection
Thickness Guide
| Thickness | Weight (4×8) | Primary Applications | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 40 lbs | Curved walls, overlay | Flexible, must overlay |
| 3/8" | 45 lbs | Ceiling overlay, patches | Not structural |
| 1/2" | 57 lbs | Standard walls | Most common choice |
| 5/8" | 70 lbs | Ceilings, fire-rated walls | Sag-resistant, required by code in many areas |
When to Use 5/8" Drywall:
- All ceilings (prevents sagging between joists)
- Garage walls (fire separation, often code-required)
- Walls between garage and living space
- Ceiling below living space
- Sound reduction applications
- Any fire-rated assembly
Specialty Type Selection
| Situation | Recommended Type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Standard rooms | Regular 1/2" | Lowest cost, easy to work with |
| Ceilings | 5/8" standard or fire-rated | Prevents sag, code compliance |
| Bathroom (not shower) | Green board or purple | Humidity resistance |
| Kitchen | Green board | Humidity near sink/stove |
| Shower/tub surround | Cement backer board | Waterproof required |
| Garage to house wall | 5/8" Type X fire-rated | Code requirement |
| Basement | Purple (mold-resistant) | Moisture and mold protection |
| Media room | QuietRock or double layer | Sound isolation |
Sheet Quantity Calculations
Standard Room Calculations (8ft Ceilings)
| Room Size | Wall Area | Minus Openings | Sheets (4×8) | Sheets (4×12) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8×10 | 288 SF | ~240 SF | 9-10 | 6-7 |
| 10×10 | 320 SF | ~270 SF | 10-11 | 7-8 |
| 10×12 | 352 SF | ~300 SF | 11-12 | 8-9 |
| 12×12 | 384 SF | ~330 SF | 12-13 | 9-10 |
| 12×14 | 416 SF | ~360 SF | 13-14 | 10-11 |
| 12×16 | 448 SF | ~390 SF | 14-15 | 11-12 |
| 14×16 | 480 SF | ~420 SF | 15-16 | 11-12 |
| 15×20 | 560 SF | ~500 SF | 18-19 | 13-14 |
Ceiling Sheet Calculations
| Ceiling Size | Area | Sheets (4×8) | Sheets (4×12) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 | 100 SF | 4 | 3 |
| 10×12 | 120 SF | 4-5 | 3 |
| 12×12 | 144 SF | 5-6 | 4 |
| 12×14 | 168 SF | 6 | 4-5 |
| 12×16 | 192 SF | 7 | 5 |
| 14×16 | 224 SF | 8 | 5-6 |
| 15×20 | 300 SF | 10-11 | 7-8 |
Waste Factor Guidelines:
- Simple rectangular rooms: 10-12%
- Rooms with many openings: 15%
- Complex shapes, angles: 18-20%
- First-time DIYers: Add extra 5%
Joint Compound and Tape Guide
Joint Compound Types
| Type | Dry Time | Best For | Cost (5 gal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose | 24 hrs | Everything (most versatile) | $18-22 |
| Lightweight | 24 hrs | Finishing coats, easier sanding | $20-25 |
| Topping | 24 hrs | Final coat only | $20-25 |
| Setting (20-min) | 20 min | Repairs, first coat | $15-20 |
| Setting (45-min) | 45 min | First embed coat | $15-20 |
| Setting (90-min) | 90 min | Large areas | $15-20 |
Coverage Calculations
| Material | Coverage | 12×12 Room (Walls) | 12×12 Room (With Ceiling) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joint compound | 375 SF/bucket | 1 bucket | 2 buckets |
| Paper tape | 375 LF/1000 SF | 1 roll (125 LF) | 1 roll (175 LF) |
| Mesh tape | Similar | 1 roll | 1 roll |
| Screws | 1 per SF | 1 lb (~350) | 1.5 lbs (~500) |
Three-Coat Finishing System
| Coat | Compound | Width | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| First (embed) | Setting or all-purpose | 4-6" | Embed tape, fill joints |
| Second | All-purpose or lightweight | 8-10" | Build up, feather edges |
| Third (skim) | Lightweight or topping | 12-14" | Final smooth finish |
Pro Tip: Each coat should be thinner than the previous. The goal is building width, not thickness. Thick coats crack and take forever to dry.
DIY vs Professional Installation
Cost Comparison: 12×12 Room with Ceiling
| Cost Category | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall sheets (14-15) | $150-250 | $150-250 |
| Joint compound (2 buckets) | $40-50 | $40-50 |
| Tape, screws, corner bead | $30-50 | $30-50 |
| Tools and supplies | $100-200 | Included |
| Drywall lift rental (1 day) | $40-60 | Included |
| Labor | $0 | $700-1,400 |
| Total | $360-610 | $920-1,750 |
| Savings | $560-1,140 | — |
Tools Needed for DIY
| Tool | Buy | Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall T-square | $25-40 | — |
| Utility knife | $10-20 | — |
| Drywall saw | $12-20 | — |
| Screw gun or drill | $50-150 | $25/day |
| Drywall lift | — | $35-50/day |
| Mud pan and knives (6", 10", 12") | $30-50 | — |
| Sanding pole and screens | $30-50 | — |
| Corner trowel | $20-30 | — |
| Stilts (optional) | — | $25/day |
DIY Skill Assessment
| Task | Difficulty | Time Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Measuring and cutting | Easy | Low |
| Hanging walls | Moderate | Medium |
| Hanging ceilings | Difficult | High |
| First coat taping | Moderate | Medium |
| Finish coats | Difficult | High |
| Sanding | Easy but tedious | Medium |
When to Hire a Professional:
- Textured ceilings (popcorn, knockdown)
- Level 5 finish (smooth walls for paint/wallpaper)
- High ceilings (10ft+) without proper equipment
- Time constraints (pros finish a room in 1-2 days)
- Fire-rated assemblies requiring inspection
Finish Levels Explained
Gypsum Association Finish Levels
| Level | Description | Use | Cost Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 0 | No finish | Temporary, concealed areas | Base |
| Level 1 | Tape embedded | Fire-rated barriers, plenums | +$0.25/SF |
| Level 2 | One coat over tape | Tile substrate, garages | +$0.50/SF |
| Level 3 | Two coats, no sanding | Texture base | +$0.75/SF |
| Level 4 | Two coats, light sand | Light texture, flat paint | +$1.00/SF |
| Level 5 | Skim coat entire surface | Gloss paint, critical lighting | +$1.50/SF |
Finish Level Selection Guide
| Application | Minimum Level | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Behind cabinets | Level 2 | Level 2 |
| Under texture | Level 3 | Level 4 |
| Flat/matte paint | Level 4 | Level 4 |
| Eggshell/satin paint | Level 4 | Level 5 |
| Gloss paint | Level 5 | Level 5 |
| Wallpaper | Level 5 | Level 5 |
| Critical lighting (skylights, tall windows) | Level 5 | Level 5 |
Why Level 5 Matters: Gloss paints and strong lighting reveal every imperfection. Level 4 finish looks acceptable under flat paint but shows bumps and ridges under semi-gloss. Skim coating the entire surface (Level 5) adds $1.00-1.50/SF but prevents visible flaws that haunt you for years.
Corner Bead and Trim Selection
Corner Bead Types and Applications
| Type | Cost (8ft) | Durability | Best For | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal (galvanized) | $2-3 | High | Standard corners, high traffic | Nails or screws |
| Paper-faced metal | $3-5 | Medium-High | Easy finishing, curves | Joint compound embed |
| Vinyl | $4-6 | Very High | Dent-prone areas, moisture | Adhesive or staples |
| Bullnose (rounded) | $5-8 | Medium | Modern aesthetics | Adhesive or nails |
| Flexible arch | $8-15 | Medium | Arches, curves | Adhesive or staples |
| J-bead | $3-5 | Medium | Drywall termination, reveals | Nails or adhesive |
| L-bead | $3-5 | Medium | Outside edges, window returns | Nails or adhesive |
Corner Bead Quantity Calculation:
- Count all outside corners (walls meeting at 90° or greater angle)
- Measure total linear feet of corners
- Standard 8ft lengths—round up per corner
- Add 10% for waste and mistakes
Example: 12×12 Room
- Outside corners: 4 (typical room corners)
- Total linear feet: 4 × 8ft = 32 LF
- Corner bead needed: 4 pieces (8ft each)
Specialty Trim Applications:
| Situation | Recommended Trim | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall to tile transition | J-bead | Clean termination edge |
| Window/door reveals | L-bead | Finished edge |
| Drywall to beam/header | L-bead or J-bead | Clean transition |
| Coffered ceilings | Paper-faced | Easier compound work |
| Archways | Flexible arch bead | Custom radius capability |
| High-traffic hallways | Vinyl corner bead | Dent resistance |
Soundproofing with Drywall
Sound Transmission Class (STC) Ratings
| Assembly | STC Rating | Sound Reduction | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single layer 1/2" | 33-35 | Poor | Basic partition |
| Single layer 5/8" | 35-37 | Fair | Standard walls |
| Double layer 5/8" | 40-43 | Good | Noise reduction |
| Double layer + Green Glue | 50-54 | Excellent | Home theaters, bedrooms |
| QuietRock single layer | 44-50 | Very Good | Simplified soundproofing |
| Staggered stud wall | 45-50 | Very Good | Room-to-room isolation |
| Double stud wall (air gap) | 55-65 | Exceptional | Studios, critical listening |
Soundproofing Costs (12×12 Room Walls)
| Method | Materials | Installation | Total | STC Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double layer standard | $150-250 | $300-500 | $450-750 | +5-8 points |
| Green Glue + double layer | $250-400 | $400-600 | $650-1,000 | +10-15 points |
| QuietRock | $400-600 | $350-500 | $750-1,100 | +12-17 points |
| Resilient channel | $100-150 | $200-300 | $300-450 | +5-10 points |
Sound Isolation Principles:
- Mass: Double layers add mass, blocking sound transmission
- Damping: Green Glue converts sound energy to heat
- Decoupling: Resilient channel breaks direct transmission path
- Absorption: Insulation in cavity absorbs airborne sound
- Sealing: Acoustic caulk seals gaps where sound leaks
STC Rating Guidelines:
- STC 25-30: Normal speech clearly heard
- STC 35-40: Loud speech heard but not understood
- STC 45-50: Loud speech faintly heard
- STC 55-60: Most sounds inaudible
- STC 65+: Superior soundproofing
Common Drywall Mistakes to Avoid
Installation Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | Prevention | Fix Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not using 5/8" on ceilings | Sagging over time | Always use 5/8" | Difficult (replace) |
| Aligned seams with openings | Cracks at corners | Offset seams 12"+ | Moderate |
| Gaps at joints | Visible cracks | Butt sheets tightly | Easy (fill) |
| Broken paper from overdriven screws | Weak attachment | Set screw gun depth | Easy (add screw) |
| No blocking for cabinets/TVs | Can't mount hardware | Add backing before drywall | Difficult |
| Incorrect screw spacing | Popped screws | Follow specs (12"/8") | Moderate |
Finishing Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | Prevention | Fix Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thick mud coats | Cracking, slow dry | Apply 3 thin coats | Moderate (re-mud) |
| Not embedding tape | Bubbling, peeling | Press tape firmly | Moderate |
| Narrow feathering | Visible joints | Feather 12-14" wide | Easy (re-mud) |
| Over-sanding | Paper exposure, flashing | Light sanding only | Moderate |
| Skipping primer | Joint flashing | Always prime first | Easy |
| Cold/humid conditions | Poor drying, mold | 55°F+, <50% humidity | Difficult |
Structural Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | Prevention | Fix Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrong type for application | Code violation, failure | Check requirements | Difficult (replace) |
| Ceiling before walls | Poor support, cracks | Walls support ceiling | Major redo |
| No fire blocking | Code violation | Follow fire-rated specs | Major redo |
| Insufficient fasteners | Sagging, popping | Follow screw patterns | Moderate |
Pro Tips to Avoid Common Problems:
- Mark stud locations on floor/ceiling before hanging
- Pre-cut all sheets before starting installation
- Use setting compound for embed coat (dries faster)
- Keep room temperature above 55°F during installation
- Allow 24 hours between mud coats
- Prime with PVA primer before painting
Pro Tips
- 💡Hang ceilings first, then walls. Wall sheets support ceiling edges and prevent cracking at the ceiling-wall joint. This sequence is mandatory, not optional.
- 💡Use 5/8" drywall on all ceilings regardless of joist spacing. The extra $2-4 per sheet prevents permanent sagging that becomes visible after a few years.
- 💡Stagger vertical seams at least 4 feet between rows and never align seams with door/window edges. Aligned seams concentrate stress and crack.
- 💡Score through the paper with a sharp utility knife, snap the board, then cut the back paper. Dull blades tear paper instead of cutting cleanly.
- 💡Rent a drywall lift for ceilings—at $35-50/day, it prevents back injuries and ensures tight ceiling joints that would be impossible to achieve by hand.
- 💡Apply three thin coats of joint compound rather than two thick coats. Thick coats shrink, crack, and take days to dry. Thin coats dry overnight.
- 💡Feather compound 12-14" wide on final coats. Narrow finishing bands create visible ridges; wide, thin bands disappear under paint.
- 💡Drive screws until dimpled but not broken through paper. Broken paper loses holding power; screws that are not dimpled show through paint.
- 💡Back-cut large openings (windows, doors) with a utility knife after rough-cutting with a saw. This prevents paper tears that show through finish.
- 💡Use setting-type compound for the embed coat if doing multiple rooms. It sets chemically (not by drying) so you can apply second coat the same day.
- 💡Sand between coats only enough to remove ridges and high spots. Over-sanding exposes paper and creates visible texture differences.
- 💡Seal all edges with primer before painting. Unfaced drywall absorbs paint differently than joint compound, creating visible joint lines called "flashing."
Frequently Asked Questions
A 12×12 room with 8ft ceilings has 384 SF of wall area. Subtracting one door (21 SF) and two windows (30 SF) leaves 333 SF. Using 4×8 sheets (32 SF each) with 12% waste, you need approximately 12-13 sheets for walls only. Add 5-6 sheets if including the 144 SF ceiling. Total: 12-13 sheets walls-only or 17-19 sheets with ceiling.
Updated January 5, 2026