Enter your Room Length, Width, and Ceiling Height, then add Number of Doors and Windows to let the Drywall Calculator subtract openings automatically — choose your Sheet Size and get the exact Sheets Needed, plus a breakdown of Total Wall Area, Area After Openings, and joint compound estimates.
Drywall Sheets Needed
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Total Wall Area
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Area After Openings
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Area per Sheet
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Measure the length and width of the room, then multiply by ceiling height to get wall area. Measure each wall separately for irregular rooms and add them together.
Yes, subtract door and window openings from your total wall area to get a more accurate estimate. Standard doors are about 21 sq ft and typical windows are 9-12 sq ft.
4'×8' sheets are most common and easiest to handle. 4'×10' or 4'×12' sheets can reduce seams but are heavier and harder to install, especially for DIYers.
Add 5-10% extra for professional installations, or 10-15% for DIY projects to account for cuts, mistakes, and future repairs. Complex layouts may need more waste allowance.
Standard 1/2" drywall works for most rooms. Use moisture-resistant drywall in bathrooms and basements, and 5/8" drywall for fire-rated walls or better soundproofing.
Plan for about 28-32 screws per 4'×8' sheet when attaching to wood studs 16" on center. Use 1-1/4" screws for 1/2" drywall over wood framing.
Either orientation works, but horizontal installation often reduces the number of seams and creates stronger joints. Vertical may be easier for DIYers due to lighter weight per piece.
A utility knife, drywall saw, and measuring tape are essential. A drywall T-square helps make straight cuts, and a rasp smooths rough edges after cutting.