Drywall material and labor estimator

Drywall Cost Calculator

Estimate a rough drywall project total from wall area, ceiling area, openings, sheet coverage, finishing material allowance, labor rate, waste, and markup. Use it for early customer, builder, and supplier conversations before a real bid.

Units

Wall area (ft²)Ceiling area (ft²)Openings to subtract (ft²)Sheet coverage (ft²)Waste / cut allowance (%)Cost per sheet ($)Mud, tape, screws rate ($/ft²)Labor rate ($/ft²)Markup / overhead (%)

Rough total

Material subtotal

Labor subtotal

Rough cost

Drywall cost is a planning estimate

Real drywall price depends on board type, lift access, finish level, fire or moisture assemblies, hanging pattern, corner bead, ceilings, repairs, taxes, location, and contractor overhead. Use supplier quotes and a real scope before bidding.

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Drywall Calculator

Estimate sheet count before pricing the job.

Drywall Mud and Tape Calculator

Check finishing material quantities separately.

Labor Cost Calculator

Model loaded crew cost and markup for the same scope.

View all

Drywall cost formula

Net area = wall area + ceiling area - openings

Order area = net area × (1 + waste %)

Sheets = order area ÷ sheet coverage, rounded up

Material = sheets × sheet cost + order area × finish-material rate

Total = (material + labor) × (1 + markup %)

Sample takeoff

A 720 ft² net drywall job with 10% waste, 32 ft² sheets, US$14 sheets, US$0.35/ft² finishing material, US$1.20/ft² labor, and 10% markup is about US$1,640.A 66.9 m² net drywall job with 10% waste, 2.88 m² boards, US$14 boards, US$3.75/m² finishing material, US$12.90/m² labor, and 10% markup is about US$1,650.

Drywall Cost Calculator FAQ

How do I estimate drywall cost?+

Measure wall and ceiling area, subtract openings, add waste, round sheet count up, then add finishing material, labor, and markup.Measure wall and ceiling area, subtract openings, add waste, round sheet count up, then add finishing material, labor, and markup.

Does this include finish level pricing?+

No. Use the finish-material rate and labor rate inputs to model your local Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 assumptions.No. Use the finish-material rate and labor rate inputs to model your local Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 assumptions.

Is this a drywall bid?+

No. It is a rough planning calculator. A real bid needs a site walk, finish level, board type, access, taxes, and contractor pricing.No. It is a rough planning calculator. A real bid needs a site walk, finish level, board type, access, taxes, and contractor pricing.