NumberTally Drywall Calculator
Hanging drywall? Enter the room size (or total wall area) and we’ll subtract doors and windows, then tell you how many 4 × 8 sheets to buy — plus screws and joint compound — with a 10% waste allowance built in.
How to hang drywall efficiently
Hang sheets horizontally on walls — it means fewer seams to tape and the tapered long edges land where they’re easiest to finish. Stagger vertical joints between rows like brickwork. On ceilings, run sheets perpendicular to the joists and get a helper or a drywall lift: a 4 × 8 sheet of 1/2-inch drywall weighs about 52 lb. Cut around outlets and switches with a jab saw after the sheet is screwed in place.
Screws, mud, and tape: what to buy
Budget 32 screws per sheet (screws every 12 inches on studs, 16 on ceilings) — a 5 lb box holds roughly 300 screws and covers about 9 sheets. For joint compound, plan one 5-gallon bucket per 10 sheets; premixed all-purpose mud works for every coat. Tape: one 250 ft roll covers roughly 10–12 sheets. This calculator totals all three for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many square feet does a sheet of drywall cover?
A standard 4 × 8 ft sheet covers 32 sq ft. Larger 4 × 10 and 4 × 12 sheets (40 and 48 sq ft) mean fewer seams on long walls but need two people to handle.
How many drywall sheets do I need for a 12 × 12 room?
With 8 ft ceilings: walls are 2 × (12 + 12) × 8 = 384 sq ft, minus a door and window ≈ 348 sq ft → 11 sheets, or 12 with 10% waste. Add the ceiling (144 sq ft) and you’re at 16 sheets with waste.
How many screws per sheet of drywall?
About 32: screws every 12 inches along each stud for walls (every 16 inches on ceilings). A 5 lb box (≈300 screws) covers roughly 9 sheets.
How much joint compound do I need?
Roughly one 5-gallon bucket of premixed compound per 10 sheets of drywall for three coats. Textured finishes use a bit more; skim-coating uses much more.
Should I hang drywall vertically or horizontally?
Horizontally on walls 8 ft or shorter — the 8 ft sheet spans floor to ceiling with one horizontal tapered seam, which is the easiest joint to finish invisibly. Go vertical only on taller walls or narrow closets.