Drywall Calculator
Drywall Needed
12 sheets (4×8)
333 sq ft total area • includes 10% waste
Joint Compound
5 gal
Tape
144 ft
Screws
384
Est. Material Cost
$192 – $300
Tip: Standard 1/2″ drywall for walls and ceilings. Use 5/8″ for soundproofing or fire-rated assemblies. Moisture-resistant (green board) for bathrooms.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Drywall Materials Reference
| Material | Qty per Sheet | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 4×8 Sheet (1/2″) | 1 sheet = 32 sq ft | $12 – $18 each |
| Joint Compound | ~0.4 gal per sheet | $12 – $18 per 4.5 gal bucket |
| Drywall Tape | ~12 ft per sheet | $3 – $5 per 250 ft roll |
| Drywall Screws | ~32 per sheet | $8 – $12 per lb (~180 screws) |
How We Calculate
Our drywall calculator estimates the number of 4×8 sheets and supplies needed based on room dimensions, ceiling height, number of openings, and whether the ceiling is included.
How the math works: Wall area = perimeter × ceiling height − (doors × 21 sq ft + windows × 15 sq ft). Ceiling area = length × width (if included). Sheets = total area ÷ 32 sq ft × 1.10 (10% waste). Supplies: compound = sheets × 0.4 gal, tape = sheets × 12 ft, screws = sheets × 32.
Material Cost Breakdown
Drywall Sheets: Standard 1/2" 4×8 costs $12–$18. Moisture-resistant (green board) $14–$22. Fire-rated 5/8" (Type X) $15–$25. Mold-resistant (purple board) $16–$28.
Joint Compound: Pre-mixed all-purpose $12–$18 per 4.5-gallon bucket. Lightweight compound is easier to sand. Setting-type compound (for first coat) sets harder and resists cracking.
Tape: Paper tape $3–$5 per 250 ft roll (strongest for corners). Mesh tape $5–$8 per 250 ft roll (self-adhesive, easier to apply). Use paper for inside corners.
Screws: 1-1/4" coarse-thread drywall screws for wood studs ($8–$12 per lb, ~180 screws). 1-1/4" fine-thread for metal studs.
Data Sources
Material costs from home improvement retailers and building supply yards. Screw and compound ratios per industry standards and manufacturer guidelines. Updated regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-08
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sheets of drywall do I need? +
Calculate total square footage: wall area (perimeter × ceiling height − doors and windows) + ceiling area (if applicable). Divide by 32 (area of a 4×8 sheet) and add 10% for waste and cuts. A 12×12 room with 8 ft ceilings and a ceiling needs about 18 sheets.
How much does drywall cost? +
Standard 1/2-inch 4×8 drywall sheets cost $12–$18 each. With supplies (joint compound, tape, screws), budget $16–$25 per sheet total for materials. Professional installation adds $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft for hanging and finishing. A typical room costs $300–$800 for DIY materials.
What size drywall should I use? +
1/2 inch is standard for walls and ceilings with 16-inch joist spacing. 5/8 inch is required for fire-rated assemblies (garage walls, ceilings over living spaces) and recommended for ceilings with 24-inch joist spacing to prevent sag. 1/4 inch is for curved walls only.
How much joint compound do I need? +
Budget approximately 0.4 gallons (about 5 lbs) of joint compound per 4×8 sheet. For a room with 18 sheets, you need about 7 gallons. A 4.5-gallon bucket covers roughly 11 sheets. You'll apply 3 coats: tape coat, fill coat, and finish coat.
How much drywall tape do I need? +
Budget about 12 feet of tape per 4×8 sheet, covering all seams and inside corners. A 250-foot roll covers approximately 20 sheets. Paper tape is strongest for corners; mesh tape is easier for flat seams but requires setting-type compound.
How many screws per sheet of drywall? +
Use 32 screws per 4×8 sheet on walls (every 16 inches on edges, every 12 inches in the field) and 40 screws per sheet on ceilings. Use 1-1/4 inch coarse-thread drywall screws for 1/2-inch drywall on wood studs. A 1-lb box holds about 180 screws.
Should I include the ceiling? +
Yes if you're finishing a new room, basement, or addition. Skip the ceiling for wall-only projects like repairs, accent walls, or re-drywalling damaged walls. Ceiling drywall is the same material but harder to install — consider renting a drywall lift ($30–$50/day).
Can I hang drywall myself? +
Yes, hanging drywall is a common DIY project. Walls are straightforward — start from the top and work down. Ceilings require a helper or lift. The finishing (taping, mudding, sanding) is the hardest part and takes the most practice. Budget 2–3 days for a typical room.
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