Drywall Mud Calculator
Calculate joint compound and tape needed for your drywall project. Get estimates by finish level (1-5) for bedrooms, living rooms, garages, or whole-house installations.
~480 sqft walls + ceiling
Estimated Total Cost
$368 – $950
$0.77 – $1.98 per sq ft (materials + labor)
Mud Buckets
2
4.5-gallon (bucket)
Tape Rolls
5
500 ft each
Compound Cost
$108–$180
Tape Cost
$20–$50
Labor Cost
$240–$720
Level 4 (Standard): Tape + three coats, sanded. Standard for flat/eggshell paint.
All-Purpose (Premixed): Ready to use. Good for all coats. Most popular choice. Dry time: 24 hours.
Coverage Rate: Level 4 finish uses ~1.5 gallons per 100 sqft of drywall. This includes tape coat, filler coat, and finish coat.
Not included: Drywall sheets ($0.40–$0.70/sqft), corner bead ($0.50–$2/LF), sanding screens ($5–$15), primer/paint, or repair of existing damage.
Drywall Finish Levels
| Level | Description | Use For |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Tape embedded in compound only | Fire-rated assemblies, above ceilings |
| Level 2 | Tape + one coat over joints | Garages, warehouses, utility areas |
| Level 3 | Tape + two coats | Heavy texture, tile backing |
| Level 4 | Tape + three coats, sanded | Standard — flat/eggshell paint |
| Level 5 | Level 4 + skim coat | Gloss paint, critical lighting |
Joint Compound Types
| Type | Cost/Gallon | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose (Premixed) | $12–$20 | All coats, DIY-friendly |
| Lightweight All-Purpose | $14–$24 | Finishing coats, easy sanding |
| Setting Compound (Hot Mud) | $10–$18 | Fast dry (20-90 min), embedding tape |
| Topping Compound | $15–$25 | Final coats only, smoothest finish |
How We Calculate
Our drywall mud calculator estimates joint compound and tape based on your total drywall surface area and desired finish level:
Gallons Needed = (Drywall Area ÷ 100) × Coverage Rate for Finish Level
Level 4 uses ~1.5 gallons per 100 sqft (tape coat + 2 finish coats)
Calculating Drywall Area
For a room, calculate wall area: (2 × Length + 2 × Width) × Height. Add ceiling area: Length × Width. A 12×14 room with 8' ceilings has ~416 sqft walls + 168 sqft ceiling = 584 sqft total.
Coverage Rates by Finish Level
- Level 2: ~0.6 gallons per 100 sqft
- Level 3: ~1.0 gallon per 100 sqft
- Level 4: ~1.5 gallons per 100 sqft
- Level 5: ~2.2 gallons per 100 sqft
Application Tips
Apply thin coats and sand between each. Use setting compound for the tape coat (fastest drying), then all-purpose for finish coats. Let each coat dry completely before sanding — usually 24 hours for premixed compounds.
Data Sources
Coverage rates based on manufacturer specifications and industry standards. Costs verified from Home Depot, Lowe's, and HomeGuide (February 2026). Actual coverage varies with application thickness and technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much joint compound do I need? +
For Level 4 finish (standard), you need about 1.5 gallons of joint compound per 100 sq ft of drywall. A 12×14 bedroom (~480 sqft surface) needs 2 buckets (4.5 gallons each).
What is the difference between finish levels 1-5? +
Level 1 is fire tape only. Level 2 is tape + one coat (garages). Level 3 is for textures. Level 4 is standard (3 coats, sanded). Level 5 is premium with skim coat for gloss paint.
How much does drywall mud cost? +
All-purpose joint compound costs $12–$20 per gallon. A 4.5-gallon bucket runs $40–$70. Lightweight compounds cost 15–20% more but are easier to sand.
Should I use premixed or setting compound? +
Premixed (all-purpose) is easier for DIY — ready to use, longer working time. Setting compound (hot mud) dries faster (20-90 min) but is harder to sand. Use setting for tape embedding, premixed for finishing.
How long does drywall mud take to dry? +
Premixed compound takes 24 hours per coat. Setting compound dries in 20–90 minutes depending on type. Apply at least 3 coats for Level 4 finish, sanding between coats.
How much tape do I need for drywall? +
One 500-foot roll of paper tape covers approximately 450–500 sq ft of drywall (joints, corners, and seams). A 12×14 room needs about 1 roll.
What is the coverage of a 5-gallon bucket of mud? +
A 4.5-gallon bucket covers 300–450 sq ft for Level 4 finish (all three coats). For Level 3, coverage is 450–600 sqft. For Level 5, coverage drops to 200–300 sqft.
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