Drywall Calculator
Find out how many sheets of drywall, screws, joint compound and tape you need for a room.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1-1/4 in screws | |
| Joint compound | |
| Joint tape | |
| Estimated sheet cost |
Shopping list
How the drywall calculator works
The calculator adds up your wall and ceiling area, subtracts any openings, then divides by the area of one sheet after adding your extra percentage for cuts. Supplies are based on common estimating rules of thumb for 1/2 inch drywall with a standard three-coat finish.
- Screws: about 7 lb of 1-1/4 inch screws per 1,000 sq ft.
- Joint compound: about 1 gallon of premixed compound per 100 sq ft, sold in 4.5 gallon buckets.
- Tape: about 0.875 ft per sq ft, sold in 250 ft rolls.
Worked example: a 12 ft x 14 ft room with 8 ft ceilings
The walls are 416 sq ft and the ceiling is 168 sq ft, for 584 sq ft. Subtract 35 sq ft for a door and a window and you have 549 sq ft. With 10% extra and 4 x 8 ft sheets, you need 19 sheets. Supplies come to about 4 lb of screws, 2 buckets of joint compound and 2 rolls of tape.
Frequently asked questions
How many sheets of drywall do I need?
Divide the total wall and ceiling area by the area of one sheet (32 sq ft for a 4 x 8), add 10 to 15 percent for cuts, and round up.
How much extra drywall should I buy?
Ten percent works for simple rectangular rooms. Use about 15 percent for rooms with many windows, doors, soffits or angled walls.
How much joint compound do I need?
A common rule is about 1 gallon of premixed compound per 100 square feet, covering all coats.
How many screws does a sheet of drywall take?
A 4 x 8 sheet typically takes roughly 32 to 40 screws. Estimators often plan 6 to 8 pounds of 1-1/4 inch screws per 1,000 square feet.
Estimates only. Needs vary with sheet thickness, finish level and layout. Confirm with your supplier.