Drywall Calculator

Enter your room size and find out exactly how many drywall sheets you need for walls and ceiling - plus the area you will actually cover.

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How to use this drywall calculator

Measure the length, width and height of the room, choose your sheet size, and subtract any large openings (window and door openings). The calculator adds the walls and (optionally) the ceiling, divides by the sheet coverage, and rounds up to whole sheets.

Always add one or two extra sheets to your final count for mistakes, damaged sheets and tricky corners. For the ceiling, plan sheets to run perpendicular to the joists, and use the largest sheet size you can safely carry - fewer seams means less taping and mudding.

Drywall calculator FAQ

How much drywall do I need for 1000 square feet?

Divide 1000 by your sheet area: that is about 31 sheets of 4x8 drywall (32 sq ft each), or 25 sheets of 4x10. Add 10% for waste and cuts.

What thickness drywall should I use?

1/2-inch standard drywall for most walls and ceilings, 5/8-inch for fire-rated separations and garage ceilings, and 1/4-inch for skimming over existing walls.

How much does drywall installation cost?

Installed cost (materials + labor) typically runs $1.50-$3.50 per sq ft in the US, depending on location and finish level. DIY sheet prices range from $12-$20 for 4x8.

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