Drywall Calculator
Sheets, mud & tape estimates
How to Use the Drywall Calculator
Estimate the number of drywall sheets, joint compound, and tape needed for your room. Perfect for renovation projects, new construction, or finishing a basement.
Standard Calculations
We calculate based on 4×8 foot sheets (32 square feet each) and automatically deduct 10% for doors and windows. Joint compound is estimated at approximately 5 pounds per 100 square feet, and tape at one roll per 7 sheets.
Ceiling Considerations
Toggle the ceiling option to include ceiling drywall in your estimate. Ceilings often require 5/8" drywall (vs. 1/2" for walls) for better sag resistance, especially with textured finishes.
Installation Tips
- Hang ceilings first, then walls
- Stagger seams for stronger joints
- Consider moisture-resistant drywall for bathrooms
- Fire-rated drywall may be required near garages and furnaces
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculate wall area (perimeter x height) plus ceiling if applicable, then divide by 32 (square feet per 4x8 sheet). A 12x12 room with 8-foot ceilings needs about (48 x 8) / 32 = 12 sheets for walls, plus 4.5 sheets for the ceiling, totaling approximately 17 sheets.
1/2-inch drywall is standard for walls with 16-inch stud spacing. Use 5/8-inch for ceilings (resists sagging), fire-rated applications (garages, furnace rooms), and areas requiring better soundproofing. Check local codes for requirements.
Plan for about 1 gallon of premixed joint compound per 100 square feet of drywall for finishing all joints and screw holes. A 12x12 room typically needs 4-5 gallons for three coats. Heavy texturing requires additional compound.
Estimate one 500-foot roll of paper tape per 1,000 square feet of drywall installed. For a typical room, one roll is usually sufficient. Include extra for corners and any mistakes. Mesh tape is easier for DIYers but paper tape is stronger.
Hang drywall horizontally on walls - this creates stronger joints at stud locations and fewer joints to finish at eye level. Hang ceiling drywall perpendicular to joists for maximum support. Always stagger joints between sheets.
Use approximately 32 screws per 4x8 sheet of drywall. Screws should be placed every 12 inches along edges and 16 inches in the field. A 5-pound box of screws (about 700 screws) covers roughly 20-22 sheets.