Drywall Calculator
Calculate how many sheets of drywall you need plus joint compound, tape, and screws. Enter your room dimensions and get a full materials list.
Drywall Sheet Sizes
| Size | Sq Ft | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 4' × 8' | 32 | Standard rooms, 8' ceilings |
| 4' × 10' | 40 | 9' ceilings, fewer joints |
| 4' × 12' | 48 | 10' ceilings, commercial |
FAQ
How do I calculate how many sheets of drywall I need?
Measure the total wall area (perimeter × height), add ceiling area if applicable, subtract door and window openings, then divide by the sheet size (32 sq ft for 4×8, 40 for 4×10, 48 for 4×12). Add 10-15% for waste from cuts and damage.
How much joint compound do I need?
Plan for about 1 gallon of joint compound per 100 square feet of drywall for a standard 3-coat finish (tape coat, fill coat, finish coat). A 5-gallon bucket covers roughly 375-500 sq ft. Buy more for textured finishes.
What size drywall should I use?
Use 4×8 sheets for most residential work. Use 4×12 sheets for rooms with 9-10 foot ceilings to reduce horizontal joints. Use 5/8" thick for ceilings and fire-rated walls, 1/2" for standard walls, and 1/4" for curved surfaces.
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