Drywall Calculator – Sheets, Screws, Tape & Mud
Use this drywall calculator to estimate how many sheets and materials you need for walls and ceilings. Enter room length, width, wall height, and openings — or type in a total area — then choose a sheet size (4×8, 4×10, 4×12 or custom) and waste factor. The tool returns a complete material estimate including drywall sheets, screws or nails, joint tape rolls, joint compound buckets, and corner bead sticks.
Recommended Sizes & Tips
- 8′ walls: 4×8 or 4×12 hung horizontally reduces seams.
- 9–10′ walls: 4×12 is ideal to minimize butt joints.
- Ceilings: 5/8″ board helps reduce sag, especially with insulation.
- Openings: Subtract door and window area for a more precise sheet count.
How We Estimate
Net area = wall area (perimeter × height) plus optional ceiling area, minus openings. Sheets = ceil(net area ÷ sheet area × (1 + waste%)). Screws are estimated by area (~1.2 per ft² on walls, ~1.4 on ceilings). Tape is approximated from net area and seam sharing. Joint compound uses a default coverage of ~400 ft² per 4.5 gal bucket.
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Important Estimate Disclaimer
Results are provided for general planning and budgeting purposes only. Actual coverage may vary based on surface condition, layout complexity, waste allowance, and product specifications.
Refer to our Methodology and Data Sources for calculation assumptions.
Surface preparation, substrate irregularities, and installation methods may increase required material quantities.