drywall
Drywall sheets
Wall area plus waste divided by preferred sheet size.
Results are approximate. Verify with manufacturer specifications or consult a professional.
Project inputs
IMPERIAL
Enter a value in ft.
Enter a value in ft.
Enter a value in ft².
Enter a value in ft².
Includes breakage, spillage, onsite adjustments
Material output
Updates instantly as you type.
Primary output
1,181.1m²
1,181.1 m²
≈ 1,027 m² primary output
Estimated packaging
37 sheets
You need 1,181.1 m², approximately 37 sheets
Sheets
Your units
37 ea
Results are approximate. Verify with manufacturer specifications or consult a professional.
How it works
Frequently asked questions
Country defaults
United States · USD · imperial
Waste factor: 15.0%
Context & guidance
Results are approximate. Verify with manufacturer specifications or consult a professional.
About This Calculator
Calculate the exact number of drywall sheets (gypsum board, plasterboard) needed for walls and ceilings. Accounts for room dimensions, standard sheet sizes (typically 1.2m × 2.4m or 4ft × 8ft), waste factors (typically 10-15% for simple layouts, 15-20% for complex layouts with many cuts), and country-specific material standards. Supports both metric and imperial units.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Measure Wall and Ceiling Areas
For walls: measure perimeter × height, then subtract doors and windows. For ceilings: measure length × width. Use the same unit system throughout. Record all measurements in meters or feet consistently.
Select Sheet Size
Standard sizes: 1.2m × 2.4m (4ft × 8ft), 1.2m × 3.0m (4ft × 10ft), or 1.2m × 3.6m (4ft × 12ft). Larger sheets reduce waste but are harder to handle. The calculator uses standard 1.2m × 2.4m unless specified otherwise.
Account for Waste Factor
Simple rectangular rooms need 10-15% waste for cuts around openings and corners. Complex layouts with many angles, curves, or obstacles need 15-20% waste. The calculator applies country-specific defaults but you can adjust.
Calculate Sheet Count
The calculator shows: total area, number of sheets needed (including waste), and estimated weight. Standard 1.2m × 2.4m sheets cover 2.88 m² (31 ft²). Always round up to full sheets.
Order Materials
Order 5-10% extra beyond calculated needs for future repairs and to ensure you have matching material. Store sheets flat and dry to prevent warping. Calculate joint compound, tape, and screws separately.
Common Mistakes
Not subtracting doors and windows
Doors and windows can account for 10-20% of wall area. Not subtracting them leads to significant over-ordering. Always measure and subtract all openings accurately. Standard door: 2.0 m², single window: 1.5-2.5 m².
Underestimating waste for complex layouts
Rooms with many angles, curves, or obstacles require 15-20% waste, not the standard 10-15%. Always add extra for cuts around corners, pipes, and irregular shapes.
Forgetting to calculate ceilings separately
Ceilings are calculated separately from walls. Measure ceiling area (length × width) and calculate sheets needed. Ceilings often need different thickness (typically 12.5mm vs 9.5mm for walls in some regions).
Not ordering extra for future repairs
Always order 5-10% extra. Drywall gets damaged during construction, and you'll need matching sheets for repairs. Store leftovers in a dry, flat location to prevent warping.
Pro Tips
Buy all drywall from the same batch/manufacturer. Different batches can have slight thickness or texture variations that affect finishing.
For complex layouts, break rooms into rectangles and calculate each separately. Sum totals and add 15-20% waste for the entire project.
Calculate joint compound separately: typically 0.5-1kg per m² for first coat, 0.3-0.5kg for second coat. Tape: ~1.5m per linear meter of joint.
Plan sheet orientation to minimize waste. Horizontal installation (sheets mounted long-side horizontal) can reduce waste in some room configurations.
For moisture-prone areas (bathrooms, kitchens), use moisture-resistant drywall (green board) or cement board. Calculate separately as coverage may differ.
Keep sheets flat and dry during storage. Warped sheets are difficult to install and create gaps. Store on a flat surface, not leaning against walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
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