Calculate the quantity of drywall sheets, joint compound, tape, and screws you'll need for a project
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This drywall calculator allows you to determine the number of drywall sheets and total sheet cost along with the amount of joint compound, drywall screws, and tape to sheetrock a specified area.
Drywall is a construction material made of a gypsum plaster core sandwiched between two sheets of thick paper. It is usually jointed with compound, and screwed or nailed in place, and then covered with a coat of paint.
Drywall construction became common in North America after World War II as a way to quickly and easily construct cheap, fire-resistant homes. Today, drywall is a popular choice for walls and ceilings because it's easy to install and fairly inexpensive. It also provides good sound insulation and fire resistance. However, it can be susceptible to water damage, so it's important to install it properly and use proper roofing and flashing techniques when installing windows and doors.
Joint compound, or drywall mud, is a thinned-out plaster made from gypsum, which is a form of calcium sulfate, and used to cover seams and joints between panels of drywall. It is also used to fill in minor dents and holes in the drywall surface.
The most common types of joint compound are setting-type compounds (also called "fast-drying" or "temporary" compounds) and finishing-type compounds. Setting-type compounds are usually white, and they harden quickly after being applied. They are used for mudding and taping joints, and for filling small holes. Finishing-type compounds come in a wider variety of colors, and they take longer to harden. They are used for finishing seams and joints, and for creating a smooth surface.
After the joint compound has dried, it is sanded down until it is flush with the surrounding surface. Finally, a coat or two of paint or primer can be applied to seal and protect the joint compound.
Drywall tape is a mesh material used to cover and reinforce seams in drywall. The tape is attached to the seam with a special adhesive, and then it's covered with a layer of joint compound. After the compound dries, it's sanded smooth to create a seamless surface.
Drywall screws are screws specifically designed for use in drywall. They have a special thread design that allows them to grip the drywall without tearing it, and they also have a built-in washer that helps to distribute the force of the screwdriver over a wider area. This prevents the drywall from being damaged or torn by the screw. The screws come in a variety of lengths to accommodate different thicknesses of drywall. They are also color-coded based on their length, so it's easy to tell at a glance which screw is which.
The standard (or most common) sizes of drywall are 4' x 8', 4' x 12', and 4' x 16'. While drywall thickness can vary, the most common thickness is 1/2", but other widely used options are 1/4", 3/8", 5/8", and 3/4".
There are four common types of drywall used in the construction industry: Regular drywall, fire-resistant drywall, sound-rated drywall, and moisture- and mold-resistant drywall.
Regular drywall is a gypsum panel that is widely used for interior walls and ceilings in residential and commercial construction. It is not fire-resistant or moisture- and mold-resistant.
Fire-resistant drywall is a gypsum panel that has been treated with a flame retardant. When it gets hot, the coating expands to create a barrier between the flame and the substrate. It is widely used in residential construction to protect against fires.
Sound-rated drywall is made of two layers of gypsum with an air gap in between. The airspace, along with the thicker layers of paper and insulation helps to absorb sound vibrations and reduce noise transfer from one side of the wall. It's often used in bedrooms, nurseries, or other rooms where sound absorption is important.
Moisture- and mold-resistant drywall is also known as "green board" because it contains 20% recycled materials. It is widely used in both residential and commercial construction to protect against moisture.
To calculate how much drywall you need for a project you need to start by measuring the height and width of each individual wall and then multiply by the length of each wall. This will give you the total square footage for each wall. Next, you'll add the square footage of each wall together to get your total square footage for the project. Finally, divide this number by the square footage of a single piece of drywall (i.e. 32 for a 4' x 8' sheet) to get the number of sheets that you need.
