How this calculator works
This runs our drywall calculator on one room. The area is the walls (the perimeter times the height), plus the ceiling if you include it, and the sheets are that area plus waste divided by the area of one sheet. Screws, tape and joint compound follow from the area.
Worked example: a 12 × 12 ft room with 8 ft ceilings needs 19 sheets of 4 × 8 ft drywall for the walls and ceiling (14 for the walls alone), about 608 screws, 1 roll of joint tape and 2 boxes of joint compound.
Drywall by room size (walls and ceiling, 8 ft ceilings, 4 × 8 sheets, 10% waste)
Screws, rolls of tape and 4.5 gallon boxes of compound included.
| Room | Sheets | Screws | Tape rolls | Compound boxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 15 | 480 | 1 | 1 |
| 12 × 12 ft | 19 | 608 | 1 | 2 |
| 12 × 16 ft | 22 | 704 | 1 | 2 |
| 14 × 14 ft | 23 | 736 | 1 | 2 |
| 16 × 20 ft | 31 | 992 | 2 | 2 |
Tips before you buy
- Hang the ceiling first, then the walls, with the seams staggered and landing on studs.
- Hang walls horizontally if you can: the seams are shorter and sit at a comfortable height.
- A drywall lift or a helper is a must for the ceiling. Sheets weigh about 55 lb each.
- Three thin coats of compound, sanded between, finish better than two thick ones.
- Check your local code for fire-rated board near furnaces, in garages and in shared walls.
Tools & materials for this project
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Frequently asked questions
How many sheets of drywall for a 12x12 room?
19 sheets of 4 × 8 ft for the walls and ceiling with 10% waste, or 14 for the walls alone. The 8 ft ceiling and four plain walls are assumed.
How much joint compound do I need for a room?
About a gallon per 100 ft² of drywall, so 9.0 gallons of box here: 2 boxes of 4.5 gallons. Tape, three coats and sanding use it all.
How many screws for a sheet of drywall?
About 30 to 35 for a 4 × 8 sheet, which is roughly one screw per square foot. This room is about 608 screws.
Should I hang drywall horizontally or vertically?
Horizontally on walls is usual, because the seams are shorter and sit at a comfortable height. Hang the ceiling first, then the walls.
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Related calculators & guides
Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.