Drywall Calculator

What Is Drywall?

Crack open any wall in a modern home and you'll find the same thing: a panel with a chalky white core sandwiched between two layers of sturdy paper. That core is gypsum — a soft, naturally fire-resistant mineral — which is why the pros also call these panels gypsum board or wallboard. They all mean the same thing.

How to Use This Drywall Calculator to Estimate Materials?

Most online tools make you do the square footage homework yourself. This one doesn't. Here's the whole process: Enter your rooms. Length, width and ceiling height — that's the only measurement work you do. The calculator figures out the wall and ceiling area on its own, and a simple checkbox lets you skip the ceiling drywall if you're only doing walls. Count your openings. Add the number of doors and windows.

What Materials Are Needed Besides the Sheets?

Hanging the panels is maybe a third of the job. The additional materials are where most first-timers get caught short: Drywall screws: plan on roughly 1 lb per 4–5 sheets. A coarse-thread screw every 16 inches along each stud is the standard. (Drywall nails still exist, but screws hold better and won't pop as the lumber dries.) Joint tape: about 1 foot of tape per square foot of surface.

How Much Does Drywall Cost?

In the USA, expect a unit price of $12 to $25 per panel depending on dimensions, thickness and type. While this is a material estimator, getting a full budget is easy. Take the number of drywall sheets from your result and multiply by your local per-sheet price, or use our dedicated drywall installation cost calculator for a complete professional vs. DIY estimate.