Wall board
Drywall Calculator
Calculate all four walls, subtract major openings, and round up to full sheets for a practical board order.
Preparing calculator...
How to calculate it
- Enter room length, width, and finished wall height.
- Subtract major doors and windows.
- Choose the actual sheet coverage and an allowance for cuts.
Formula and assumptions
What the calculator is doing
Sheets = ceil[{(room perimeter × wall height) − openings} × (1 + waste %) ÷ sheet area].
- The four walls are derived from a rectangular room perimeter.
- Only the entered opening area is removed; ceilings and partitions need separate runs.
- Area gives a purchasing baseline, while a sheet layout determines seam locations and board orientation.
Before checkout
Buying checklist
- Mark each wall length, opening, and ceiling height.
- Identify board type and thickness for every room condition.
- Choose orientation after checking framing spacing and seam layout.
- Estimate screws, tape, compound, corner bead, lifts, and delivery separately.
Avoid these errors
Common mistakes
Counting all boards as one type
Wet areas, garages, shafts, and rated assemblies may require different products.
Using area without a layout check
A drawing can expose narrow strips, unsupported edges, and extra joints that increase sheet demand.
Forgetting ceilings or both partition faces
Each distinct surface must be measured; a room-wall shortcut does not include every assembly.
Frequently asked questions
What waste factor should I use?+
Use 10% for simple rooms and 15% for many openings, angled walls, or small pieces around soffits.
Does this include joint compound and screws?+
No. The result covers sheets and sheet cost; fasteners, tape, compound, corner bead, and delivery should be planned separately.