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Drywall Calculator

Drywall Calculator

Estimate drywall for a room's walls and optional ceiling, subtract standard openings, choose sheet size, and calculate finishing supplies, labor, and total cost.

22-calculator project library Reviewed 2026-07-25Calculations run privately in your browser

Enter project details

Example values are prefilled

Room surfaces

Room length

Room width

Wall height

Standard doors

Standard windows

Include ceiling

Cut and waste allowance

Sheet and cost

Sheet size

Price per sheet

Hang and finish labor per sq ft

Location and tax assumptions

The location factor adjusts labor only. Replace all default prices with actual local quotes before purchasing.

Local labor-cost factor

A coarse planning adjustment—not a ZIP-code quote.

Sales tax on materials

Enter the tax rate that applies to taxable materials.

All default prices are editable examples. Cost scenarios vary the entered plan; they do not represent bids or guarantees.

How to use this drywall calculator

Calculate drywall sheets, wall and ceiling area, compound, tape, screws, waste, labor, and cost.

Formula

Net surface area = wall area + optional ceiling − standard openings. Sheets = net area × (1 + waste %) ÷ sheet area, rounded up.

Worked example

Example: A 12 × 10 × 8 ft room has 352 sq ft of gross wall area and a 120 sq ft ceiling. Subtract openings, add waste, then divide by the selected sheet area.

Accuracy and limitations

Closets, soffits, bulkheads, multiple layers, fire-rated assemblies, curved surfaces, and finish level are not fully represented.

Frequently asked questions

Should I use 4 × 8 or 4 × 12 sheets?

Larger sheets reduce seams but are heavier and may not fit the access path.

How much joint compound is included?

The calculator estimates five-gallon buckets from surface area; finish level and installer technique affect usage.

Does the cost include demolition?

No. Removal, disposal, insulation, framing repair, and paint are separate.