Finishing Tools

Drywall Sheet Calculator

Calculate the exact number of drywall sheets needed for your walls and ceilings. Includes material estimates for screws, tape, and joint compound.

Enter Wall/Ceiling Dimensions

Calculation Results

Gross Area 0 sq ft
Total Sheets 0 sheets
Net Area (minus openings) 0
Sheets Needed (no waste) 0
Screws (1.5 per sq ft) 0
Joint Compound (lbs) 0
Tape Needed (linear ft) 0
Material Cost $0

How to Use

  1. Enter total wall perimeter length
  2. Enter wall height (ceiling height)
  3. Subtract area for doors and windows
  4. Choose appropriate sheet size
  5. Get sheet count + material estimates

Drywall Sheet Sizes

4×8 = 32 sq ft (standard)

4×9 = 36 sq ft (9ft ceilings)

4×10 = 40 sq ft (10ft walls)

4×12 = 48 sq ft (12ft ceilings)

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Drywall Sheet Calculator for Construction Projects

Accurate drywall calculations are essential for any interior construction or renovation project. Our free drywall calculator helps contractors and DIY enthusiasts determine exactly how many sheets are needed, preventing costly overages or time-consuming extra trips to the supplier.

Choosing the Right Sheet Size

Selecting the appropriate drywall sheet size can minimize waste and installation time:

  • 4×8 sheets: Standard for 8-foot walls, most common and economical
  • 4×9 sheets: Ideal for 9-foot ceilings, eliminates one horizontal seam
  • 4×10 sheets: Good for 10-foot commercial walls
  • 4×12 sheets: Best for 12-foot ceilings, fewer seams, faster installation

Calculating Drywall Materials

Beyond sheets, our calculator estimates other materials you'll need:

  • Screws: Approximately 1.5 screws per square foot
  • Joint compound: About 1 pound per 100 square feet
  • Drywall tape: Linear feet of all seams combined
  • Corner bead: For outside corners (not calculated here)

Waste Factor for Drywall

Our calculator automatically includes a 10% waste factor for cuts, mistakes, and damaged sheets. This is standard industry practice. For complex rooms with many angles or openings, consider ordering 15% extra.

Drywall Thickness Options

While our calculator determines sheet quantity, remember to choose the right thickness:

  • 1/4 inch: Curved surfaces, overlay existing drywall
  • 3/8 inch: Repair patches, curved applications
  • 1/2 inch: Standard walls and ceilings (most common)
  • 5/8 inch: Fire-rated, soundproofing, ceilings

Frequently Asked Questions

How many drywall sheets do I need?

Calculate your wall area (length × height), subtract openings, then divide by the sheet size (32 sq ft for 4×8, 48 sq ft for 4×12). Add 10% extra for waste. For a 10×12 room with 8-foot ceilings: perimeter = 44 ft, area = 352 sq ft, sheets needed = 352 ÷ 32 = 11 sheets + 10% waste = 12 sheets.

What size drywall sheets should I use?

4×8 sheets are standard for most walls. 4×12 sheets work well for 9-foot ceilings with fewer seams. 4×10 sheets are good for 10-foot walls. Using sheets that match your ceiling height minimizes horizontal seams.

How much does drywall cost?

Standard 1/2 inch drywall costs $10-15 per 4×8 sheet. 5/8 inch fire-rated sheets cost $12-18. Premium moisture-resistant (green board) costs $14-20. Prices vary by location and quantity discounts apply for large orders.

How many screws per sheet of drywall?

Use 32 screws per 4×8 sheet (screws every 12 inches on walls, every 16 inches on ceilings). For ceilings, increase to 48 screws per sheet for better holding power. Our calculator estimates 1.5 screws per square foot as a rule of thumb.

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