Calculator 04 / Drywall

Drywall Calculator

Estimate sheet count, screws, and joint compound for a room from its dimensions.

How this calculator works

Wall area (ft²) = Perimeter (2 × (L + W)) × Wall height − Openings Ceiling area (ft²) = Length × Width (only if included) Total area = Wall area + Ceiling area Sheets needed = ceil( Total area × (1 + Waste %) ÷ Sheet size ) Screws (est.) = Sheets × 32 (12" O.C. on 16" O.C. studs) Joint compound = ceil( Total area ÷ 550 ) 4.5-gal buckets (3-coat finish)

How much waste factor for drywall?

10% covers standard cuts around outlets, corners, and openings. Add more for rooms with lots of angles, curves, or vaulted ceilings.

1/2" or 5/8" drywall — does it change the sheet count?

No — sheet count depends only on area covered. Thickness affects weight, fire rating, and screw length, not the number of sheets.

Estimates only. Compound and screw counts are rough field estimates — actual usage varies with finish level and installer technique.