Drywall Calculator - Sheets, Cost & Materials
Calculate drywall sheets, screws, compound, tape and total cost. Includes 10-15% waste calculation and professional installation tips.
Drywall Requirements
How to Use This Drywall Calculator
Measure Your Space
Measure the length and height of each wall and ceiling area. For complex rooms, break them into rectangular sections.
Enter Dimensions
Input your measurements in feet. The calculator will automatically compute total square footage and account for standard sheet sizes.
Select Sheet Size & Thickness
Choose 4x8 or 4x12 sheets, and 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", or 5/8" thickness. For most walls, 1/2" is standard; ceilings often use 5/8".
Get Complete Materials List
View sheets needed (with 10-15% waste), screws, joint compound, tape, and total estimated cost.
Pro Tips for Drywall Installation
- • Always add 10-15% extra for waste, cuts, and potential mistakes
- • Use 1/2" drywall for standard walls, 5/8" for ceilings and fire-rated walls
- • 4x12 sheets reduce seams but are harder to handle alone
- • Calculate screws at 28-32 per wall sheet, 36-40 per ceiling sheet
- • Budget 1 gallon of joint compound per 100 sq ft of drywall
- • Use paper tape for corners, mesh tape for flat seams
Step-by-Step Drywall Installation Guide
Step 1: Measure Your Walls
- • Measure length of each wall
- • Measure ceiling height
- • Record all dimensions in feet
- • Measure ceiling if covering it
Step 2: Calculate Sheets Needed
- • Total area ÷ 32 (4×8 sheet)
- • Always round up
- • Add 10-15% for waste
Step 3: Mark Stud Locations
- • Studs are typically 16" apart
- • Mark screw locations every 12"
- • Use stud finder for accuracy
- • Keep screws 3/8" from edges
Step 4: Install Sheets
- • Start from top corner
- • Use 28-32 screws per wall sheet
- • 36-40 screws for ceiling sheets
- • Stagger seams on adjacent walls
Step 5: Tape & Mud Seams
- • Apply joint compound to seam
- • Embed tape in wet compound
- • Apply 3 coats (tape, fill, finish)
- • Sand between coats
Step 6: Final Finish
- • Sand entire surface smooth
- • Apply drywall primer
- • Check for imperfections
- • Ready for paint or texture
Professional Installation Timeline
Common Drywall Mistakes to Avoid
Over-tightening Screws
Screws should be slightly below the surface but not breaking the paper. Over-driven screws weaken the hold and damage the board.
Not Accounting for Waste
Always add 10-15% extra for cuts, mistakes, and odd corners. Running short mid-project causes delays.
Using Wrong Thickness
1/2" is standard for walls, but ceilings need 5/8" to prevent sagging. Using the wrong thickness can fail inspections.
Skipping the Primer
Drywall primer is essential! Regular paint will not seal properly and will result in uneven coverage and texture bleed-through.
Not Sanding Between Coats
Each mud coat must be sanded smooth before the next application. Skipping this creates bumps and ridges that show through paint.
Complete Materials Checklist
Essential Materials
- Drywall sheets (1/2" for walls, 5/8" for ceilings)
- Drywall screws (1-1/4" for walls, 1-5/8" for ceilings)
- Joint compound (all-purpose or topping compound)
- Paper tape (for flat seams and corners)
- Corner bead (metal or plastic for outside corners)
- Drywall primer (not regular wall paint)
Required Tools
- Drywall screw gun (or drill with depth stop)
- Utility knife (with extra blades)
- T-square (for straight cuts)
- Taping knives (4", 6", and 10" widths)
- Mud pan (for holding joint compound)
- Sanding sponge or pole sander
Drywall Sizes & Cost Guide (2025)
| Type | Size | Coverage | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 1/2" | 4' x 8' | 32 sq ft | $12-18 |
| Standard 1/2" | 4' x 12' | 48 sq ft | $18-26 |
| Standard 5/8" | 4' x 8' | 32 sq ft | $15-22 |
| Moisture-Resistant | 4' x 8' | 32 sq ft | $15-22 |
| Fire-Resistant (Type X) | 4' x 8' | 32 sq ft | $18-25 |
*Prices are estimates and vary by region, supplier, and quantity purchased. Bulk purchases typically receive 10-20% discounts.