PAINTING & WALLS

Drywall Calculator

Convert wall or ceiling area into drywall boards, then add optional finishing supplies and labor allowances.

Interactive estimate · Private on your device

Build your estimate

Change any number to refresh the results instantly.

Project details

All fields editable
Percentage from 0 to 100

All starter prices are illustrative user-editable inputs, NOT verified quotes or live market data. The currency switch relabels amounts; it never converts exchange rates.

YOUR PROJECT ESTIMATE Live calculation

Input values used

Measurements: imperial. Prices: USD (user-entered; no currency exchange).

Total wall or ceiling area320 ft²
Board width4 ft
Board height8 ft
Sheet waste (%)10
Price per board16
Finishing supplies per area0.45 / ft²
Labor per area1.6 / ft²

Estimated project total

$832.00

Surface area320 ft²
Board face area32 ft²
Boards required11 boards

Cost breakdown

Drywall boards$176.00
Finishing materials$144.00
Hanging and finishing labor$512.00

Calculation assumptions

  • Estimates board coverage from face area; openings, seams, room shape, and fire/moisture ratings can change quantity.
  • Framing layout and structural requirements are not assessed.

Compare two scenarios

Save the current estimate to A or B, change inputs, then compare. Stored only in this browser.

Planning estimates only. They are not binding contractor quotations, local price checks, or certified engineering advice. Inputs are calculated on this device; none are sent to our servers.

How to use this calculator

  1. Measure the wall or ceiling area after your layout.
  2. Enter the width and height of the drywall board.
  3. Set waste, sheet price, and finishing/labor rates.

The calculation formula

Sheets = ceil(surface area × (1 + waste%) ÷ board face area). Base board cost = sheets × price per board.

Worked example

A 320 ft² wall area with 4 × 8 ft boards and 10% waste requires ceil(352 ÷ 32) = 11 sheets.

Assumptions and limitations

  • Exact sheet layouts and openings may change sheet quantities.
  • Fire resistance, moisture resistance, framing, and special finishes are not evaluated.

Actual project costs may be affected by supplier rates, material grade, labor market, location, disposal, site condition, access, permits, taxes, and schedule. All entered prices are yours to revise. See our methodology and disclaimer.

Frequently asked questions

Does this include joint compound?

The editable finishing rate allows you to budget for finishing materials separately.

Are ceilings supported?

Yes, if you already know ceiling surface area; board mounting details are not designed here.