Calculate the number of drywall sheets, joint compound, tape, and screws needed for your walls and ceilings. Get accurate material estimates with waste factor included.
Combined length of all walls
Standard is 8 feet
Typically 10-15%
Optional
Drywall comes in several standard sizes, with 4×8 feet (32 square feet) being the most common for residential projects. This size is manageable for most DIYers and fits standard 8-foot ceiling heights perfectly. Larger sheets like 4×10 and 4×12 reduce the number of seams but are heavier and more difficult to handle, often requiring two people for installation.
| Sheet Size | Coverage | Weight (1/2") | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4' × 8' | 32 sq ft | ~57 lbs | Standard walls, easiest to handle |
| 4' × 10' | 40 sq ft | ~71 lbs | 9-foot walls, fewer seams |
| 4' × 12' | 48 sq ft | ~86 lbs | Tall walls, ceilings, minimal seams |
The most common thickness for residential walls and ceilings with 16-inch stud/joist spacing. Provides adequate strength, sound dampening, and fire resistance for most applications. Cost-effective and widely available at all home improvement stores.
Use for: Interior walls, ceilings with 16" spacing, most residential projects
Thicker and more rigid than 1/2 inch, required for fire-rated assemblies and ceilings with 24-inch joist spacing. Offers better sound insulation and sag resistance. Mandatory in many commercial applications and attached garages.
Use for: Fire-rated walls, ceilings with 24" spacing, soundproofing, commercial projects
The calculator estimates 0.053 gallons per square foot, which accounts for three coats: taping coat (heaviest), second coat (medium), and finish coat (thin skim). A 200 square foot room requires approximately 10-11 gallons total.
Tip: Buy pre-mixed compound for convenience or powder for larger projects to save money.
Estimated at 0.9 linear feet per square foot of drywall. This covers all horizontal and vertical seams plus inside corners. Paper tape is traditional and requires embedding in mud, while fiberglass mesh is self-adhesive but requires setting-type compound.
Tip: Paper tape is stronger for flat seams; mesh tape is easier for repairs and patches.
Walls require screws every 12 inches (approximately 32 per sheet), while ceilings need screws every 8 inches (approximately 48 per sheet) due to gravity. Use 1-1/4" screws for 1/2" drywall and 1-5/8" screws for 5/8" drywall.
Tip: Coarse thread screws for wood studs, fine thread for metal studs.
Installing drywall perpendicular to studs creates stronger joints and reduces the number of seams. For 8-foot walls, one horizontal 4×8 sheet covers the entire height. This method also makes taping easier since you're working at a comfortable height for most seams.
Butt joints (where two non-tapered ends meet) are the hardest to finish smoothly. Use longer sheets to span entire walls when possible, and stagger butt joints so they don't line up. If unavoidable, back-block butt joints with extra blocking for better support.
A 10-15% waste factor covers cuts around windows, doors, outlets, and mistakes. Rooms with many openings or complex layouts may need 15-20% waste factor. It's always better to have extra material than to stop mid-project for another trip to the store.
Ceilings require more screws (8-inch spacing vs 12-inch for walls) and benefit from 5/8-inch drywall when joists are 24 inches apart. Consider using moisture-resistant drywall (green board) in bathrooms and mold-resistant (purple board) in basements or high-humidity areas.
Drywall material costs vary by thickness, type, and location. Standard 1/2-inch drywall typically costs $10-15 per sheet, while 5/8-inch runs $12-18 per sheet. Specialty boards like moisture-resistant (green board), mold-resistant (purple board), or fire-rated drywall cost 20-40% more than standard drywall.
Don't forget additional materials: corner bead ($2-4 per 8-foot piece), primer ($25-35 per gallon), and finishing tools if you don't own them. Professional installation typically costs $1.50-3.00 per square foot including materials and labor, with higher rates for ceilings and complex layouts.
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