Drywall Calculator
Convert room wall and ceiling area into drywall sheets, screws, and mud buckets.
Drywall sheets
14 sheets
440 sq ft to cover with waste
- Screws (approx)
- 441
- Mud (gallons)
- 5
- Estimated sheet cost
- $210.00
- Net area entered
- 400 sq ft
Screw estimate assumes ~1 screw per sq ft. Mud estimate assumes ~1 gallon per 100 sq ft for standard finishing.
How this calculator works
A standard 4×8 sheet covers 32 square feet. Divide net area by 32 and round up, then add waste for cuts and openings.
Mud and screw counts are planning rules of thumb - textured finishes and heavy seams can use more compound.
sheets = ceiling(area ÷ 32 × waste)
- Subtract large window/door openings for accuracy
- Ceilings often use 1/2" or 5/8" fire-rated panels
- Buy extra sheets - returns beat a second trip mid-hang
Frequently asked questions
How many sheets of drywall do I need?
Divide total square footage by 32 for 4×8 sheets. A 400 sq ft room needs 13 sheets before waste, or about 14–15 with 10% buffer.
How much drywall mud do I need?
A rough DIY estimate is one gallon of ready-mix joint compound per 100 sq ft of drywall for a standard three-coat finish.
Should I use 4×8 or 4×12 sheets?
Longer sheets can mean fewer seams on long walls, but they’re heavier. This calculator defaults to 4×8 coverage; adjust if you buy 4×12s (48 sq ft each).
Related calculators
Keep planning your project with these tools, or browse the Interior Finish category.