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Drywall Cost Calculator

Estimate drywall material and labor cost with waste, sheet size, and finishing materials.

Results

Adjusted area (sq ft)
1320.00
Sheets needed
41.25
Material cost
$828
Labor cost
$1,980
Estimated total cost
$2,808
Cost per sq ft
$2

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter drywall area and waste allowance.
  2. Choose sheet size and enter sheet cost.
  3. Enter labor per sq ft and allowances for mud/tape/fasteners.
  4. See sheets needed, material cost, labor cost, total, and cost per sq ft.

Inputs explained

Drywall area
Total square footage to cover. Add ceilings if included.
Waste allowance
Extra for cuts/offcuts; 10–15% is typical.
Sheet size
Choose 4x8 (32 sq ft) or 4x12 (48 sq ft) coverage per sheet.
Sheet cost
Cost per drywall sheet.
Labor per sq ft
Hanging + finishing labor per square foot.
Tape/mud/fasteners
Allowance for compound, tape, corner bead, screws/fasteners.

How it works

Adjusted area = area × (1 + waste%). Sheets = adjusted area ÷ sheet area (32 sq ft for 4x8, 48 for 4x12).

Material = sheets × sheet cost + mud/tape/fasteners. Labor = adjusted area × labor per sq ft.

Formula

Adjusted area = Area × (1 + Waste%)
Sheet area = 32 (4x8) or 48 (4x12) sq ft
Sheets = Adjusted area ÷ Sheet area
Material = Sheets × Sheet cost + Tape/Mud + Screws
Labor = Adjusted area × Labor $/sq ft
Total = Material + Labor
Cost/sq ft = Total ÷ Area

When to use it

  • Budgeting drywall for a remodel or basement finish.
  • Comparing 4x8 vs 4x12 sheet usage and cost.
  • Estimating DIY materials vs pro labor scenarios.

Tips & cautions

  • 4x12 sheets reduce seams but are heavier; adjust labor cost if handling is harder.
  • Increase waste for lots of windows/doors or angled walls/ceilings.
  • Labor rates vary by region and finish level—adjust for Level 5 skim or specialty textures.
  • Does not include specialty boards (moisture/mold/fire-rated) price differences—enter your sheet cost accordingly.
  • Does not include insulation, paint, or trims.
  • Waste is a single percentage; complex layouts may need higher allowances.

Worked examples

1,200 sq ft, 10% waste, 4x8 sheets @ $14, labor $1.50/sq ft

  • Adjusted area ≈ 1,320 sq ft; Sheets ≈ 41.25
  • Material ≈ $577.50 + $200 + $50 = $827.50
  • Labor ≈ $1,980
  • Total ≈ $2,807.50; Cost/sq ft ≈ $2.34

900 sq ft, 12% waste, 4x12 sheets @ $18, labor $1.80/sq ft

  • Adjusted area ≈ 1,008 sq ft; Sheets ≈ 21
  • Material ≈ $378 + $200 + $50 = $628
  • Labor ≈ $1,814
  • Total ≈ $2,442; Cost/sq ft ≈ $2.71

Deep dive

This drywall cost calculator applies waste to your square footage, converts to sheets (4x8 or 4x12), and adds material, labor, and finishing allowances to show total cost and cost per square foot.

Use it to budget remodels or basement finishes and compare sheet sizes or DIY vs pro labor scenarios quickly.

FAQs

Should I choose 4x8 or 4x12?
4x12 reduces seams but is heavier to handle. Use what fits your space and crew capabilities.
What waste % should I use?
10–15% is common; increase for many windows/doors or angled ceilings.
Does this include insulation or paint?
No. Add those separately based on your project.
Level 5 finish?
Increase labor per sq ft for higher finish levels; this is a baseline taping/sanding allowance.
Moisture or fire-rated board?
Enter the actual sheet cost for specialty board; the math works the same.

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Estimates only. Material and labor rates vary by region, board type, and finish level. Confirm with your contractor before budgeting.