Drywall Calculator
Calculate drywall materials needed for your room
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Enter the length of your room in feet
- Enter the width of your room in feet
- Enter the wall height in feet
- Select your drywall sheet size (4x8 or 4x12)
- Click calculate to get material estimates
Drywall Installation Basics
Drywall (also called gypsum board or sheetrock) is the standard material for interior walls and ceilings. It consists of gypsum plaster pressed between thick paper sheets.
- Standard thickness: 1/2" for walls, 5/8" for ceilings
- Standard sheet size: 4x8 ft (most common)
- Extended sheets: 4x12 ft (reduces joints, heavier to handle)
- Install horizontally on walls to reduce seams
Materials and Tools
- Drywall sheets (1/2" for walls, 5/8" for ceilings)
- Drywall screws (1-1/4" for walls, 1-5/8" for ceilings)
- Joint compound (for taping and finishing)
- Paper or fiberglass mesh tape
- Corner bead for outside corners
- Utility knife and T-square for cutting
- Screw gun or drill
- Drywall sander and sandpaper
- Taping knives (6", 10", 12")
Installation Steps
- Measure and cut sheets to fit
- Hang sheets horizontally starting from ceiling
- Screw every 12" on studs, 1/2" from edges
- Stagger seams between rows
- Apply first coat of joint compound and tape
- Apply second and third coats, feathering edges
- Sand smooth between coats
- Prime before painting
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many drywall sheets do I need?
- Divide your total wall area by the sheet size (32 sq ft for 4x8, 48 sq ft for 4x12) and add 10% for waste. Our calculator does this automatically including the waste factor.
- Should I use 4x8 or 4x12 sheets?
- 4x8 sheets are standard, easier to handle, and fit most vehicles. 4x12 sheets reduce the number of seams but are heavier and harder to maneuver. Use 4x12 for rooms with 9-foot ceilings or to minimize joints.
- How much joint compound do I need?
- Plan on about 3.5 gallons of joint compound per 1,000 square feet of drywall. You'll need compound for taping (first coat), topping (second coat), and finishing (third coat). Buy an extra gallon for mistakes.
- Can I install drywall vertically?
- While possible, horizontal installation is preferred for walls because it creates fewer seams and makes sheets easier to support during installation. Vertical may be used for high walls or specific design needs.
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