Drywall Cost Calculator
Enter your room dimensions and local sheet price to estimate total drywall cost for walls and ceiling.
1. Wall area
Wall area: 384 sq ft
2. Openings to subtract
21 sq ft each
15 sq ft each
3. Sheet size, waste & price
Your Drywall Estimate
12
sheets
4
joint compound (gal)
4
tape rolls (75 ft)
Calculation breakdown
Gross wall area: 384 sq ft
Openings: −51 sq ft
Net area: 333 sq ft
With 12% waste: 373 sq ft
Sheets: 373 ÷ 32 sq ft/sheet = 12 sheets
Joint compound and tape estimates cover 3 coats. Actual usage varies with experience level and application method.
How the cost is calculated
- 1.Enter room dimensions → calculator outputs sheets needed for walls and ceiling (with 10% waste).
- 2.Enter your price per sheet → material cost = sheets × price.
- 3.Add mud, tape, and screws → total materials estimate.
- 4.Cost per sq ft = total ÷ area.
2026 US drywall price ranges
| Product | Per 4×8 sheet |
|---|---|
| Standard 1/2" drywall | $13–$20 |
| 5/8" fire-rated | $18–$28 |
| Moisture-resistant (green board) | $15–$25 |
| Soundproof drywall | $40–$70 |
| Joint compound (4.5 gal) | $15–$25 |
| Paper tape (500 ft roll) | $5–$10 |
Prices vary by brand and region. Enter your actual price for an accurate estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does drywall cost?
Standard 1/2" drywall (4×8 sheet) costs $13–$20 per sheet at home improvement stores. That's $0.40–$0.65/sq ft. 5/8" fire-rated drywall runs $18–$28/sheet. Moisture-resistant (green board): $15–$25/sheet.
How much does it cost to drywall a room?
A 12×12 ft room with 8 ft ceilings has about 580 sq ft of wall and ceiling area. At $15/sheet (32 sq ft/sheet) you need ~18 sheets = $270. Add joint compound ($20), tape ($10), and screws ($15) = ~$315 total materials.
Does drywall cost include mud and tape?
Our calculator covers drywall sheets only. Joint compound (mud) costs $15–$25 per 4.5-gallon bucket. Tape is $5–$10 per roll. Screws run $10–$20 per box. Plan for $30–$60 extra in finishing materials per room.
Is it cheaper to install drywall yourself?
DIY drywall saves $1–$2/sq ft in labor. For a 12×12 room that's $600–$1,200 in savings. Hanging is manageable for most DIYers; finishing (taping, mudding, sanding) requires more skill.