Drywall for a 12×12 Room
Free calculator with pre-filled dimensions • Updated March 2026
A 12×12 room with 8-foot ceilings needs about 15 sheets of 4×8 drywall total (walls and ceiling, with 10% door/window deduction).
Open calculator with these dimensions →Drywall for a 12×12 Room
A 12×12 room with 8-foot ceilings has 384 sq ft of wall area and 144 sq ft of ceiling — 528 sq ft total. Using standard 4×8 sheets (32 sq ft each), you need 12 sheets for walls and 5 for the ceiling (with 10% waste), totaling 17 sheets.
Material List
| Material | Quantity | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall sheets (4×8×1/2") | 17 sheets | $170–$255 |
| Joint compound (premixed) | 2 buckets (4.5 gal) | $30–$40 |
| Paper tape | 2 rolls (75') | $6–$10 |
| Drywall screws (1-5/8") | 5 lbs | $15–$20 |
| Corner bead | As needed | $10–$20 |
Total: $230–$345 for materials. Professional hang, tape, and finish: $800–$1,400.
Pro Tips
- Hang ceiling first, then walls. Wall sheets support the ceiling edges, creating a tighter fit at the wall-ceiling joint.
- Use 12-foot sheets if your ceiling allows. Fewer joints means less taping and a smoother finish. A 12-foot sheet spans an entire wall without a butt joint.
- Three coats of mud is standard. First coat embeds the tape, second feathers to 6", third feathers to 12". Sand lightly between coats with 120-grit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sheets of drywall for a 12×12 room?
17 sheets of 4×8 drywall (12 for walls, 5 for ceiling) with 10% waste factor. If using 4×12 sheets, you need 12 sheets total (8 walls, 4 ceiling).
How much does it cost to drywall a 12×12 room?
DIY materials cost $230–$345 in 2026. Professional installation (hang, tape, and finish to Level 4) costs $800–$1,400 including materials and labor.