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Calculate how many drywall sheets you need for walls and ceilings. Get sheet counts, joint compound, tape, and screw estimates with material cost breakdowns.
This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes. Actual drywall requirements may vary based on room layout, framing, and installation method. We recommend adding 10% extra for waste.
Professional installation may be required for ceiling work. Prices vary by region and drywall type (standard, moisture-resistant, fire-rated).
Calculating drywall requirements is essential for any renovation or construction project. Whether you're finishing a basement, adding a room, or remodeling, knowing exactly how many sheets of drywall you need prevents costly trips back to the store or project delays. Drywall (also called sheetrock or gypsum board) comes in standard sizes of 4×8, 4×10, and 4×12 feet. Our calculator helps you determine the total sheets needed, plus essential materials like joint compound, tape, and screws.
Area = 2 × (Length + Width) × HeightCalculates the total wall area for a rectangular room. This is the room perimeter multiplied by wall height.
Sheets = (Net Area × Waste Factor) ÷ Sheet SizeDivide total area (minus deductions, plus waste) by sheet square footage. Always round up to whole sheets.
Gallons = Net Area × 0.005Approximately 1 gallon of joint compound covers 200 sq ft. Plan for 3 coats on seams and screw heads.
Regular gypsum board for interior walls and ceilings. Most economical choice for dry, climate-controlled spaces. Available in 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and 5/8" thicknesses.
Green or purple board with moisture-resistant core. Use in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. Not waterproof - don't use in direct water contact areas.
Contains glass fibers for fire resistance. Required by code for garages, furnace rooms, and between units in multi-family buildings. Available in 5/8" thickness.
Dense gypsum core with viscoelastic polymers. Reduces sound transmission between rooms. Ideal for bedrooms, home theaters, and music rooms.
For a 12×12 ft room with 8 ft ceilings, the wall area is 384 sq ft. After deducting for a door (~21 sq ft) and 2 windows (~30 sq ft), you have 333 sq ft. With 10% waste, that's 367 sq ft, requiring 12 sheets of 4×8 drywall. For ceiling coverage, add another 5 sheets.
For 8-foot ceilings, use 4×8 sheets vertically or 4×12 sheets horizontally for fewer seams. For 9-10 foot ceilings, 4×10 or 4×12 sheets work best. Fewer seams mean less taping and faster installation.
Plan on about 1 gallon of joint compound per 200 sq ft of drywall. This accounts for three coats: bedding, filling, and finishing. A typical 12×12 room needs approximately 2-3 gallons.
Use approximately 32-48 screws per 4×8 sheet. Space screws every 8" along edges and every 12" in the field (middle of sheet). For ceilings, reduce spacing to 7" for edges and 8" in the field.
Wall drywall is a common DIY project with a helper. Ceiling drywall requires more skill and ideally a drywall lift. Taping and finishing take practice to achieve smooth results. Consider hiring a professional for visible areas.
1/2" is standard for most walls. 5/8" provides better soundproofing, fire resistance, and rigidity - required for ceilings with 24" joist spacing and for fire-rated assemblies. 5/8" is also less likely to sag on ceilings.
For ceiling drywall, calculate Length × Width of the room. A 12×12 ft room has 144 sq ft of ceiling. Divide by sheet size (32 sq ft for 4×8) to get 4.5 sheets, rounded up to 5 sheets. Add 10% waste.
Yes, corner bead is required for all outside corners to provide a straight, durable edge. Metal or paper-faced bead can be used. Plan for the full height of each corner, plus any transitions or window returns.