Panels Required: ‘+panelsNeeded+’ sheets
‘;html+=’Material Cost: $’+totalMaterialCost.toLocaleString(undefined,{minimumFractionDigits:2,maximumFractionDigits:2})+’
‘;html+=’Labor Cost: $’+totalLaborCost.toLocaleString(undefined,{minimumFractionDigits:2,maximumFractionDigits:2})+’
‘;html+=’‘;html+=’1. Adjusted Area (with ‘+waste+’% waste): ‘+totalAreaWithWaste.toFixed(2)+’ sq ft
‘;html+=’2. Sheets: ‘+totalAreaWithWaste.toFixed(2)+’ / ‘+pSize+’ = ‘+panelsNeeded+’ (rounded up)
‘;html+=’3. Materials: ‘+panelsNeeded+’ sheets × $’+pPrice.toFixed(2)+’
‘;html+=’4. Labor: ‘+area+’ sq ft × $’+lCost.toFixed(2);html+=’
Using the Drywall Cost Calculator
Estimating a renovation project requires precision to avoid overspending or material shortages. This drywall cost calculator is designed to help homeowners and contractors quickly determine the total expense of hanging drywall in a room or entire house. By inputting your specific square footage and local labor rates, you get a realistic budget instantly.
To get the most accurate results, ensure you measure the total surface area of both walls and ceilings, subtracting large openings like double doors or picture windows only if they significantly impact the square footage.
- Total Surface Area
- The total square footage of all walls and ceilings to be covered. (Height x Length = Sq Ft).
- Price per Panel
- The retail cost of a single sheet of drywall. Prices vary based on thickness (1/2″ vs 5/8″) and type (mold-resistant or fire-rated).
- Labor Cost per Sq Ft
- The rate charged by professionals for installation, taping, and finishing. This typically ranges from $1.00 to $2.50 depending on your region.
- Waste Factor
- A percentage added to cover off-cuts and breakage. 10% is standard for simple rooms, while 15% is recommended for complex layouts.
How It Works: The Drywall Formula
Professional estimators use a standard set of steps to calculate drywall requirements. The tool above automates these steps using the following logic:
Total Sheets = [Total Area × (1 + Waste%)] / Sheet Size
- Sheet Size: A standard 4×8 sheet is 32 sq ft. A 4×12 sheet is 48 sq ft.
- Material Cost: Multiply the number of sheets (always rounded up) by the price per sheet.
- Labor Cost: Multiply the base square footage by the labor rate (professionals usually charge based on the square footage of the board, not the floor).
Drywall Cost Calculation Example
Scenario: You are finishing a standard basement room with a total wall and ceiling surface area of 1,200 square feet. You are using 4×8 sheets priced at $14.00 each, and your contractor quotes $1.80 per square foot for labor. You want to include a 10% waste factor.
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
- Adjust Area for Waste: 1,200 sq ft × 1.10 = 1,320 sq ft.
- Calculate Sheets Needed: 1,320 / 32 = 41.25 (Round up to 42 sheets).
- Material Total: 42 sheets × $14.00 = $588.00.
- Labor Total: 1,200 sq ft × $1.80 = $2,160.00.
- Grand Total: $588.00 + $2,160.00 = $2,748.00.
Common Drywall Questions
What is the average cost to drywall a 12×12 room?
A typical 12×12 room with 8-foot ceilings has roughly 384 sq ft of wall space and 144 sq ft of ceiling space (total 528 sq ft). Including materials and labor, this usually costs between $800 and $1,500 depending on your local market rates and finish level.
Should I use 4×8 or 4×12 drywall sheets?
4×12 sheets are heavier and harder to handle but result in fewer seams. Professional installers prefer them for large rooms because fewer seams mean less taping and a smoother finish. For DIY projects, 4×8 sheets are much easier to transport and install.
Does the cost include taping and mudding?
When using our drywall cost calculator, the labor cost per sq ft usually includes hanging, taping, and “finishing” (mudding and sanding) to a Level 4 finish. If you only want the boards hung (Level 0), the labor rate will be significantly lower, often around $0.50-$0.80 per sq ft.