What Is a Drywall Calculator?
A drywall calculator is a tool that helps homeowners and contractors estimate the amount of materials needed for a drywall installation project. By inputting the dimensions of your walls and ceiling, it provides a comprehensive material list, including the number of drywall sheets, pounds of screws, and buckets of joint compound, ensuring you buy the right amount for the job.
How to Use the Drywall Calculator
- Enter the total square footage of the walls you are covering.
- Optionally, enter the square footage of the ceiling if you are drywalling it as well.
- Select the size of the drywall sheets you plan to use (4x8 or 4x12).
- Choose the type of drywall (regular, moisture-resistant, etc.).
- Click "Calculate" to get your estimated material list.
Understanding Your Drywall Material Estimate
Our calculator provides a comprehensive material list to ensure you buy the right amount for the job, with a built-in 10% waste factor for the sheets.
- Drywall Sheets Needed: This is the total number of drywall panels required for your project.
- Drywall Screws Needed: An estimate of the weight of screws required, based on standard spacing.
- Joint Compound Needed: An estimate of the number of 4.5-gallon buckets of 'mud' you'll need for taping and finishing all the seams and screw heads.
Installation Tips
For a step-by-step walkthrough of the installation process, from hanging sheets to final sanding, check out our detailed DIY Drywall Installation Guide.