Calculator
Drywall Calculator
Get sheet counts, mud, tape and screws for a drywall job.
Verified August 2026
Drywall sheets
22 sheets
700 sq ft with waste
- Joint compound
- 7 gallons
- Joint tape
- 2 rolls (500 ft)
- Drywall screws
- 700 screws
- Material cost estimate
- $352 – $572
Estimates only. Local pricing, site conditions and code requirements change the real number.
The formula
Sheets = wall + ceiling area / sheet area x (1 + waste)
A 4x8 sheet covers 32 sq ft, 4x12 covers 48 sq ft. Budget roughly one gallon of all-purpose compound per 100 square feet for taping and three coats.
Worked example
A 12x14 room with 9 ft ceilings has 468 sq ft of wall and 168 sq ft of ceiling — about 21 sheets of 4x8 with 10% waste.
Frequently asked questions
How much joint compound do I need?
About one gallon of all-purpose compound per 100 square feet of drywall for taping plus two finish coats.
Sources
Sources & verification
Last verified August 2026. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing — they are not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.