Add all wall and ceiling surfaces you plan to drywall.
Optional: total area of doors, windows, and other openings.
Auto-filled from type and size. Edit to match your supplier quote.
Drywall Cost Guide: Price Per Sheet and Per Square Foot (2026)
This calculator estimates drywall material cost and sheet count for wall and ceiling projects. Enter your total surface area, select the sheet size and drywall type, and get an instant material cost and installed price range. Deduct openings for a more accurate net area, or leave the deduction at zero for a conservative estimate.
Drywall cost per sheet and per sq ft (2026)
| Type | 4×8 sheet price | Material (per sq ft) | Installed (per sq ft) | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 1/2 in | $12–$20 | $0.38–$0.63 | $1.50–$3.50 | Walls, ceilings, most interior use |
| Thick 5/8 in | $15–$24 | $0.47–$0.75 | $1.75–$4 | Ceilings, commercial, better sound |
| Moisture-resistant | $18–$28 | $0.56–$0.88 | $2–$4.50 | Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms |
| Fire-rated Type X | $20–$32 | $0.63–$1.00 | $2.25–$5 | Garages, stairwells, code-required areas |
4x8 sheet pricing for standard residential products. Installed price includes hanging, taping, mudding, and sanding. Standard 1/2 in highlighted as most common. Prices vary by region and supplier.
Drywall installation cost by project size
| Project size | Standard installed | Moisture-resistant installed | Sheets needed (4×8) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small room (250 sq ft) | $375–$875 | $500–$1,125 | ~9 sheets |
| Average room (500 sq ft) | $750–$1,750 | $1,000–$2,250 | ~18 sheets |
| 1,000 sq ft area | $1,500–$3,500 | $2,000–$4,500 | ~35 sheets |
| Full house (2,000 sq ft) | $3,000–$7,000 | $4,000–$9,000 | ~70 sheets |
| Large house (3,000 sq ft) | $4,500–$10,500 | $6,000–$13,500 | ~105 sheets |
Fully installed including materials, hanging, taping, and finishing. 1,000 sq ft highlighted as a common reference size. Sheet counts include 10% waste. Excludes primer, paint, and texture.
What affects drywall cost
Labour accounts for roughly 60-70% of total installed drywall cost, so regional rates and project complexity drive the final number more than material prices do. Beyond sheet type, the key variables are ceiling height (anything above 9 ft requires more labour and scaffolding), the number of angles and archways, texture requirements, and accessibility. A simple rectangular garage is much cheaper to drywall per sq ft than a complex vaulted living room of the same area.
Drywall installation cost by region: 2026 US averages
Drywall finishing is a labour-intensive trade, which means regional wages drive more cost variation than material prices. The South and Midwest consistently undercut coastal markets, with Texas and the Southeast offering the most competitive rates. The Northeast runs significantly higher, partly because drywall finishing often falls under union trade agreements in some markets, and partly because general construction labour costs are elevated across the board.
| Region | States | Labour only (per sq ft) | Standard installed (per sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast | FL, GA, NC, SC, TN | $0.80–$1.75 | $1.30–$2.80 |
| South Central | TX, OK, AR, LA | $0.70–$1.60 | $1.20–$2.50 |
| Midwest | OH, MI, IL, IN, WI | $0.90–$1.90 | $1.40–$3 |
| Mid-Atlantic | PA, VA, MD, NJ | $1.10–$2.20 | $1.65–$3.50 |
| Mountain West | CO, AZ, NV, UT | $1–$2 | $1.50–$3.25 |
| Northeast | NY, MA, CT, RI | $1.40–$2.75 | $1.90–$4.25 |
| West Coast | CA, WA, OR | $1.50–$3 | $2–$4.50 |
Labour per sq ft for standard hang, tape, and finish. Installed total includes standard 1/2 in drywall material plus labour. South Central highlighted as lowest-cost region. Always get local quotes for accurate pricing.
Texas and Florida are among the most affordable markets for drywall work in the US. A 1,000 sq ft drywall project that might cost $2,800-$4,500 installed in New York or Los Angeles typically runs $1,200-$2,500 in Houston or Dallas. The Southeast broadly follows the same pattern, with a large workforce of drywall contractors keeping rates competitive across the region.
In the Northeast, union finishing requirements apply in commercial and multi-family work, and this tends to pull residential rates upward in the same labour market. If you are in a high-cost region, getting multiple quotes and scheduling work during the contractor's slow season (typically January through March) can produce meaningfully better pricing.
Drywall installation cost by city (1,000 sq ft, standard 1/2 in)
| City | Labour only | Standard installed |
|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | $700–$1,600 | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Dallas, TX | $700–$1,600 | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Atlanta, GA | $800–$1,750 | $1,300–$2,800 |
| Charlotte, NC | $800–$1,750 | $1,300–$2,800 |
| Columbus, OH | $900–$1,900 | $1,400–$3,000 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $1,000–$2,000 | $1,500–$3,250 |
| Chicago, IL | $1,100–$2,200 | $1,650–$3,500 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $1,100–$2,200 | $1,650–$3,500 |
| New York, NY | $1,400–$2,750 | $1,900–$4,250 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $1,500–$3,000 | $2,000–$4,500 |
Based on 1,000 sq ft at typical regional contractor rates. Columbus, OH shown as national mid-market reference. Excludes primer, paint, texture, and demolition. Get local contractor quotes to confirm pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Drywall Project Planning Checklist
Covers framing inspection, sheet type selection, fastener schedule, taping sequence, compound coats, and finish level requirements before ordering materials.
Download Checklist (PDF)Planning reference only. See Methodology and Data Sources. View all project checklists →
Accuracy & Review
Reviewed by: Marcus Webb
Marcus reviews our interior finish calculators, confirming practical cost assumptions, material pricing, and labour estimates for drywall, insulation, and ceiling projects.
Last updated:
See: Methodology · Data Sources · Review Board
Related Interior Calculators
Disclaimer: This calculator provides rough planning estimates only. Actual drywall costs vary based on sheet type, ceiling height, room complexity, regional labour rates, and project conditions. Installed cost ranges are indicative only.
See Methodology and Data Sources for details.