Drywall Calculator
Calculate sheets of drywall, joint compound, tape, and screws for your project.
Wall Dimensions
feet
feet
Ceiling (Optional)
feet
feet
Options
Materials Needed
Drywall Sheets
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Total Area
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Joint Compound (gallons)
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Drywall Tape
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Screws (1.25" drywall screws)
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Drywall Tips
- Standard sheets are 4'x8' (1.2m x 2.4m) - use 4'x12' for fewer seams on long walls
- Hang horizontally on walls to reduce visible seams
- 1/2" (12.5mm) thick is standard for walls; 5/8" (16mm) for ceilings and fire-rated areas
- Moisture-resistant (green board) for bathrooms; mold-resistant for basements
- Screws every 30cm (12") on edges, 40cm (16") in the field
- Allow 3 coats of joint compound: tape coat, fill coat, finish coat
Ad Space - 728x90
How to Calculate Drywall
Estimating drywall materials involves calculating total surface area and accounting for waste:
- Calculate wall area - Total wall length × height
- Add ceiling area - Length × width if finishing ceiling
- Subtract openings - Doors (~2 m² / 21 sq ft) and windows (~1.4 m² / 15 sq ft)
- Add waste factor - 10-15% for cuts and mistakes
- Divide by sheet size - Round up to whole sheets
Material estimates:
- Joint compound: ~0.053 gallons per sq ft (3 coats)
- Tape: ~0.38 feet per sq ft of drywall
- Screws: ~1 screw per sq ft (with standard 16" stud spacing)