Drywall Calculator
Sheets, screws and compound needed.
Enter your values
Enter the room length in ft.
Enter the room width in ft.
Enter the wall height in ft.
Choose one of: 4×8 (32 sq ft), 4×12 (48 sq ft).
Choose one of: Yes, No.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Sheets needed
- 21
- Total area with waste
- 642 sq ft
- Screws (approx.)
- 756
- Joint tape
- 257 ft
- Joint compound
- 34 gallons
Quick answer
Divide total wall and ceiling area by the sheet size, then add 10% waste plus screws, tape and compound.
At a glance
| What it does | Sheets, screws and compound needed. |
|---|---|
| Category | Home & DIY |
| Inputs needed | Room length, Room width, Wall height, Sheet size, Include ceiling? |
| Main output | Sheets needed |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Drywall Calculator
- 1Measure room length, width and wall height.
- 2Choose the sheet size you will buy.
- 3Include the ceiling if you are boarding it.
Inputs explained
- Room length(ft)
- Enter the room length in ft.
- Room width(ft)
- Enter the room width in ft.
- Wall height(ft)
- Enter the wall height in ft.
- Sheet size
- Choose one of: 4×8 (32 sq ft), 4×12 (48 sq ft).
- Include ceiling?
- Choose one of: Yes, No.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Room length14 ft
- Room width12 ft
- Wall height8 ft
- Sheet size4×8 (32 sq ft)
- Include ceiling?Yes
Results
- Sheets needed21
- Total area with waste642 sq ft
- Screws (approx.)756
- Joint tape257 ft
- Joint compound34 gallons
Frequently asked questions
Should I subtract windows?
Only for large openings — the waste allowance usually covers small ones.
Which thickness?
1/2 inch for walls, 5/8 inch for ceilings and fire-rated assemblies.
What do I need to enter into the Drywall Calculator?
Just 5 values: room length, room width, wall height, sheet size, include ceiling?. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Drywall Calculator work out the answer?
Divide total wall and ceiling area by the sheet size, then add 10% waste plus screws, tape and compound. The working is shown step by step so you can verify the result by hand.
Is the Drywall Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.