Enter room dimensions (or total area), choose sheet size and waste %, and get an instant materials breakdown.
Drywall Sheets Needed:
0 Sheets
Joint Compound:
0-0 Gallons
Drywall Tape:
0 Feet
Drywall Screws:
0 Screws
Estimated Project Cost:
$0 - $0
Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate only. Actual needs may vary. Please double-check measurements and consult a professional if needed.
To estimate drywall, calculate the total surface area you’ll cover. Wall area is 2 × (length + width) × height. If you’re drywalling the ceiling, add length × width. Divide the total square footage by your sheet size (for example, a 4×8 sheet covers 32 sq ft), then add a waste allowance and round up to the next whole sheet.
It depends on ceiling coverage, sheet size, and waste. For a 10×10 room with 10-ft walls, the wall area is 400 sq ft. Using 4×8 sheets (32 sq ft each) with a 5% waste allowance comes out to about 14 sheets when rounded up. If you include the ceiling, you’ll add another 100 sq ft, which increases the sheet count.
Include the ceiling if you plan to hang drywall overhead (finished ceilings). Skip it if you’re using a drop ceiling, exposed structure, or another ceiling system. The ceiling adds length × width square feet, which can noticeably increase the number of sheets, screws, tape, and mud you’ll need.
4×8 is the most common and easiest to carry and install, especially for DIY projects. 4×10 and 4×12 sheets reduce seams (less taping/mudding) but are heavier and harder to maneuver. 54-inch (4.5-ft wide) sheets can reduce butt joints on tall walls and are sometimes used to hang vertically, but they’re also heavier and may be harder to transport. A good rule: choose the largest sheet you can safely handle and fit into your space.
Waste depends on how many cuts you’ll make. 5–10% is usually fine for simple, rectangular rooms with few openings. 10–15% is common when you have multiple windows/doors, closets, or lots of corners. 15–20% is safer for complex layouts, angled ceilings, soffits, or if you’re new to drywall. Buying a little extra helps avoid running short and paying for a second trip or delivery.
Mud usage varies based on tape type, finish level, and whether you skim coat. As a rough estimate, most projects fall around a small fraction of a gallon per square foot, and it’s normal to use more on ceilings and inside corners. That’s why this calculator shows a range instead of a single number—you’ll typically land near the middle for standard tape + 2–3 coats, and higher if you’re doing a smoother finish.
Tape is mostly determined by how many seams and corners you have. In general, more seams (smaller sheets) and more corners/closets mean more tape. This calculator uses a rule-of-thumb based on area to give a quick estimate, but your real total can be higher if the room has lots of inside corners, soffits, or short wall segments.
Screw count depends on stud spacing (commonly 16" on-center), whether you’re hanging ceilings, and how you fasten edges and field areas. Ceilings typically require more fasteners than walls. This calculator provides an area-based estimate that’s a reliable starting point for most rooms—if you’re doing ceilings or using smaller pieces with more edges, plan on the higher end.
No—by default it estimates total wall (and optional ceiling) area without subtracting openings. That’s often fine because openings are partially offset by waste, off-cuts, and additional seams around doors and windows. If your room has many large openings, you can compensate by using a lower waste percentage, or manually subtract opening areas before using a “total area” workflow.
It’s a strong starting point for planning a DIY project or creating a rough materials list. Real-world totals can vary based on framing, sheet layout, room complexity, and the finish level you want. If you’re ordering delivery or building a budget, consider adding a bit more buffer—especially for large projects, ceilings, or rooms with lots of cuts.