How do I calculate drywall sheets needed?

Calculate total wall area (perimeter × height) plus ceiling area (length × width). Divide by 32 (area of 4×8 sheet) or 48 (4×12 sheet). Add 15% waste for cuts.

What size drywall should I use?

4×8 sheets for 8ft ceilings and standard walls. 4×12 sheets for 9-10ft ceilings or longer walls (fewer seams). 1/2" thickness standard for walls, 5/8" for ceilings.

How much does drywall cost per sheet?

4×8 sheet: $12-18. 4×12 sheet: $18-25. Moisture-resistant (greenboard): +20%. Fire-resistant (Type X): +30%. Prices vary by thickness and location.

What else do I need besides drywall?

Joint compound (1 bucket per 2 sheets), tape (50ft per sheet), screws (0.15 lbs per sheet), corner bead, sandpaper, and primer/paint for finishing.

Should I add extra for waste?

Yes, add 15% waste minimum. Simple rectangular rooms: 10-15%. Complex layouts with angles: 15-20%. Ceiling installations need more waste than walls.

Drywall Calculator

Calculate drywall sheets and materials needed

Drywall Calculator

Calculate drywall sheets needed for your project. Get sheet counts, joint compound, tape, and screw requirements for walls and ceilings.

Room Dimensions

Room Length *

Length of the room

Room Width *

Width of the room

Wall Height *

Typical: 8ft standard, 9-10ft for high ceilings

Options

Include Ceiling

Check if ceiling needs drywall too

Sheet Size

4×8 ft most common, 4×9 ft and 4×10 ft reduce seams

Drywall Installation Guide

Standard drywall sheets are 4 feet wide and come in 8, 9, 10, or 12-foot lengths. Use 1/2 inch thickness for walls and 5/8 inch for ceilings or fire-rated applications. Longer sheets reduce the number of seams but are harder to handle.

Plan to use about 1 pound of screws per 8 sheets, 1 roll of tape per 4 sheets, and 1 bucket of joint compound per 8 sheets. These ratios account for taping all seams and applying 3 coats of mud for a smooth finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this tool