Drywall Calculator
Estimate drywall sheets, screws and joint compound from the total wall and ceiling area and the sheet size.
How it works
sheets = ceil(area × 1.10 ÷ sheet size) · screws ≈ 1 lb per 1,000 sq ft · compound ≈ 1 gal per 100 sq ft
Divide the total wall and ceiling area by the square footage of one sheet and round up, adding about 10% for cutouts and waste. Screws run roughly a pound per 1,000 square feet, and all-purpose joint compound about a gallon per 100 square feet across taping and finish coats. Bigger sheets cover the same area with fewer seams, which is less taping and a flatter wall.
Worked example
1,000 sq ft in 4 × 8 sheets: 1,000 × 1.10 = 1,100 ÷ 32 = 34.4, rounded up to 35 sheets — plus about 1 lb of screws and 10 gallons of joint compound.
Frequently asked questions
Which sheet size should I use?
Longer 4 × 10 or 4 × 12 sheets hung horizontally cut the number of butt joints, giving a flatter, easier finish — but they are heavy and hard to maneuver up stairs or in tight rooms. Match the sheet to what you can actually carry and lift.
What thickness of drywall goes where?
Half-inch is standard for walls; use 5/8 in for ceilings (it sags less) and where fire rating is required, such as a garage sharing a wall with living space. Local code drives the fire-rated locations.
How much joint compound and tape?
Budget roughly a gallon of all-purpose compound per 100 sq ft over three coats, and about 370 ft of tape per 1,000 sq ft. Mesh tape is faster for beginners; paper tape is stronger at inside corners.
Related calculators
Estimates only — add for waste and confirm against local building codes and supplier specs.