Drywall Calculator
Calculate sheets of drywall, joint compound, tape, and screws needed for your room. Accounts for doors and windows.
Room Dimensions
Drywall Sheets
--
Total Area (sq ft)
--
Materials Needed
Joint Compound
--
Tape (ft)
--
Screws
--
Wall Area
--
Ceiling Area
--
Corner Bead (ft)
--
About This Calculator
Standard drywall sheets are 4'x8' (32 sq ft) or 4'x12' (48 sq ft). This calculator accounts for door openings (21 sq ft each) and window openings (15 sq ft each). Plan for about 0.053 lbs of screws per sq ft and roughly 1 gallon of joint compound per 100 sq ft.
Adds your drywall takeoff into the Construction Estimate Builder.
Saved Calculations
Drywall Installation Guide
Measure the Room
Measure the perimeter (total wall length) and ceiling height. Subtract door openings (approx. 21 sq ft each) and windows (approx. 15 sq ft each). Add ceiling area if needed.
Choose Sheet Size
Use 4'x8' sheets for standard rooms and easy handling. Use 4'x12' sheets to reduce joints on long walls and ceilings. Fewer joints means less taping and faster finishing.
Plan for Finishing
Budget 3 coats of joint compound. Use paper tape for inside corners and metal corner bead for outside corners. Sanding between coats is essential for a smooth finish.
Drywall Types Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How many screws per sheet?
For a 4'x8' sheet on walls: about 28-32 screws (every 16" along each stud). Ceilings need screws every 12" along joists, so about 36-40 per sheet.
Should I hang drywall horizontally or vertically?
Horizontally is standard for walls. It creates fewer joints, the tapered edges line up for easier taping, and it bridges studs better for a flatter finish.
How much does professional installation cost?
Hang only: $1-$1.50/sq ft. Hang + tape + finish: $2-$3.50/sq ft. For a 12x10 room with ceiling, expect $800-$1,400 for full professional installation.