Drywall Calculator
Calculate sheets, screws, joint compound, and tape for your drywall project
Room Dimensions
Room 1
Doors & Windows (Optional)
Add doors and windows to subtract their area from total
Options
5% (Simple)20% (Complex)
Materials Needed
Drywall Sheets
0
(0 + 10% waste)
Drywall Screws
0
0 boxes (1 lb each)
Joint Compound
0
gallons (3-coat finish)
Paper Tape
0
rolls (75 ft each)
Area Breakdown
Total Wall Area0 sq ft
Doors/Windows-0 sq ft
Area to Cover0 sq ft
Pro Tips
- • Hang sheets horizontally for 8' walls (fewer seams)
- • Stagger seams for better structural integrity
- • Use longer sheets (12') for fewer joints
- • Add 10-15% waste for complex rooms
Drywall Installation Guide
Sheet Sizes
4' × 8' (Standard)
Most common, easiest to handle
Weight: ~50-60 lbs (1/2")
4' × 10'
Better for 9' ceilings
Weight: ~65-75 lbs (1/2")
4' × 12'
Fewest seams, harder to handle
Weight: ~75-90 lbs (1/2")
Thickness Guide
1/4" (6.35mm)
Curved surfaces, repairs
3/8" (9.5mm)
Covering existing walls
1/2" (12.7mm) ⭐
Standard for walls/ceilings
5/8" (15.9mm)
Fire-rated, soundproofing
Fastener Spacing
Walls
Screws 16" apart on studs
12" at edges/ends
Ceilings
Screws 12" apart on joists
More support needed
Screw Depth
Set 1/32" below surface
Don't break paper face
Installation Process
1
Measure & Cut
- • Measure room carefully
- • Mark studs on floor/ceiling
- • Cut sheets with utility knife
- • Plan layout to minimize seams
2
Hang Sheets
- • Start with ceilings first
- • Hang walls top to bottom
- • Stagger end joints
- • Use lift for ceilings
3
Tape & Mud
- • Apply tape to all joints
- • First coat: embed tape
- • Second coat: 8" wide
- • Third coat: 10-12" wide
4
Sand & Finish
- • Sand between coats
- • Use fine-grit sandpaper
- • Prime before painting
- • Apply texture if desired
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