The Drywall Needed for a Room calculator computes the number of drywall sheets required to cover a walls and ceiling of a rectangular room based on the length and height of the walls.
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INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:
- (L) Length of Room
- (W) Width of Room
- (H) Height of Ceiling
- (SS) Size of Drywall Sheets (4x8 or 4x12)
Number of Drywall Sheets (nS): The calculator returns the number of drywall sheets and square feet of area for the room including the ceiling and for the walls only.
The Math / Science
This calculator computes the area of the room and then divides the area by either:
- 32 square feet for a 4x8
- 48 square feet for a 4x12
The number of drywall sheets is ROUNDED UP.
Walls are often drywalled with a thicker material than ceilings because the come into more contact with things and people. That's why it's not uncommon for walls to be 5/8" thick drywall and ceilings to be 1/2".
Drywall is an indoor paneling used to cover studs, plumbing and wiring, which also serves as the base for finishing such as paint or wallpaper. Drywall is also known as wall board, sheet rock and gypsum board. Drywall has a paper layer cover and an interior made of gypsum that is easily cut and somewhat pliable. Drywall typically comes in two sizes, 4x8 and 4x12 feet, and in several thicknesses including 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and 5/8". Drywall can be common, mold/moisture resistant and with higher fire prevention ratings. Drywall is affixed to interior walls via drywall nails and/or drywall screws.
The Drywall Calculator functions include calculators and data that support the use of drywall including:
- Drywall for a Room: This computes the number of 4x8 or 4x12 panels and drywall screws or nails needed for the interior of a room (walls and ceiling).
- Cost of Drywall for a Room: This computes the cost of drywall based on room dimensions and unit price of drywall boards.
- Drywall Nails or Screws for a Room: This compute the number of drywall of pounds of screws or nails for a room based on the dimensions.
- Joint Compound for a Room: This computes the amount of joint compound (spackling, mud) needed for a room based on the dimension.
- Drywall for a Wall: This compute the number of 4x8 or 4x12 sheets and drywall screws or nails needed for one wall.
- Cost of Drywall for a Wall: This computes the cost of drywall based on the wall dimensions and unit price of drywall boards.
- Drywall Nails or Screws for a Wall: This computes the number of pounds of drywall nails or screws needed for a wall based on the dimensions.
- Joint Compound for a Wall: This compute the number of gallons of joint compound (mud, spackling) needed for a wall.
- Joint Compound for an Area: This computes the number of gallons of joint compound needed for a specified number of square feet in drywall.
The Drywall Calculator utilities also include a pricing survey from nationally advertised retailers. The survey is done to help vCalc's users make rough cost estimations on drywall projects, but the user is always encouraged to use local pricing for the most accurate cost calculations.
Drywall Pricing Survey
Pricing for drywall is an estimate. Always use local pricing when available. The following price per sheet information is available as follows:
- Drywall Pricing Survey Date: 3/28/23
- Drywall Pricing Survey Store: Menards
- Pricing of 1/2 inch 4x8 drywall is $10.67 USD
- Price of 5/8 inch 4x8 drywall is $17.78 USD
- Price of 1/2 inch 4x12 drywall is $17.78 USD
- Pricing of 5/8 inch 4x12 drywall is $21.16 USD
Room Calculators
- Number of gallons to paint or primer a room.
- Cost to paint or prime a room.
- Surface area of the interior walls of a room
- Surface area of the interior walls and ceiling of a room.
- Floor area of a room
- Volume of a room
- Energy (BTUs/hr) needed to heat a room
- Insulation for a Room
- Number of Studs in a Room
- Number of drywall sheets needed for a room
- Cost of studs needed to frame a room
Building Calculators
- Area of a Roof
- Pitch of a Roof
- Number of Trusses Needed for a Roof
- 4x8s needed for a roof
- Shingles needed for a roof
- Number and Length of Metal Roof Panels
- Number and Length of Purlins
- Number and Length of Rafters
- Number and Length of Rafter and Collar ties