Remodelers
Drywall Calculator
Calculate sheets of drywall, joint compound, tape, and screws needed for any room.
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.
Common Questions
How many sheets of drywall do I need for a room?
Calculate the total wall area (perimeter times ceiling height) and subtract doors and windows. Divide by 32 for 4x8 sheets or 48 for 4x12 sheets. Add 10 percent for waste and cuts.
Should I use 4x8 or 4x12 drywall sheets?
Use 4x12 sheets when you can because they create fewer seams to tape and finish. Use 4x8 sheets in small rooms, tight spaces, or where you need to carry sheets through narrow hallways.
How much joint compound do I need?
Plan on about 1 gallon of joint compound per 100 square feet of drywall installed. A typical bedroom takes 3 to 4 gallons for three coats of taping, filling, and finishing.
How many screws per sheet of drywall?
Use about 28 to 32 screws per 4x8 sheet. Screws should go every 12 inches along edges and every 16 inches in the field. For ceilings, space screws every 8 inches along edges.
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