Remodelers

Drywall Calculator

Calculate sheets of drywall, joint compound, tape, and screws needed for any room.

19
4x8 Sheets
542
Total Sq Ft
6
Gallons Compound
1
Rolls of Tape
3
Lbs of Screws

Walls: 362 sq ft net + ceiling: 180 sq ft = 542 sq ft total. With 10% waste: 19 sheets of 4x8. Joint compound estimate assumes 3 coats (tape, fill, finish). Use 1/2" drywall for walls and 5/8" for ceilings or fire-rated assemblies.

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How to calculate drywall sheets

Measure the wall area (length times height) and divide by 32 for 4x8 sheets or 48 for 4x12 sheets. Subtract openings for doors and windows, but keep in mind that in practice most contractors do not subtract small openings because the waste from cutting around them eats up the savings. Add 10 percent waste. This calculator figures it out based on your room dimensions and sheet size.

What size drywall sheets to use

For walls, 4x8 sheets are standard and easy to handle. For ceilings and long walls, 4x12 sheets reduce the number of joints you have to tape, which means less finishing work and a better looking wall. Half inch drywall is the standard for walls and ceilings with 16 inch framing. Five eighths inch is required for ceilings with 24 inch framing and for fire rated assemblies like garage walls adjacent to the house.

Do not forget joint compound and tape

You need about 0.053 pounds of joint compound per square foot of drywall. That works out to roughly one 3.5 gallon bucket for every 7 to 8 sheets. For tape, figure one roll of paper tape for every 350 to 400 feet of joints. Mesh tape is easier for DIYers but paper tape gives you stronger joints. Buy more mud than you think you need. Running out mid coat is a pain.

Common Questions

How long does it take to drywall a room?

Hanging takes about a day for a standard bedroom. Taping and mudding adds 3 to 4 days because you need to let each coat dry overnight. Start to finish, plan on a week per room.

Can you drywall over old plaster?

Yes. You can screw 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch drywall right over plaster as long as the plaster is solid. If the plaster is crumbling or pulling away from the lath, tear it out first.

What is the difference between drywall and sheetrock?

Nothing. Sheetrock is just a brand name made by USG. It is like saying Kleenex instead of tissue. All Sheetrock is drywall but not all drywall is Sheetrock.

Do you drywall the ceiling or walls first?

Always hang the ceiling first. The wall sheets butt up against the ceiling sheets and help hold them in place. It gives you cleaner joints and makes taping easier.

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