How to use this calculator
- Measure the wall area. Length × height for each wall. Subtract major openings (doors, windows). Add 10% waste.
- Pick the sheet size. 4×8 (32 ft²) is standard. 4×12 (48 ft²) reduces seams on long walls but takes 2 people. 5/8" for ceilings, 1/2" for walls.
- Enter sheet price. ½-inch standard: $14–$18/sheet. ⅝-inch standard: $17–$22. Moisture-resistant (green board): $20–$28. Type X (fire): $20–$30.
- Add labor (optional). Hang only: $0.50–$1/ft². Hang + Level 4 finish: $2.50–$4/ft². Mud + tape only (DIY hung): $1.50–$2/ft².
Formula
Total Cost = Sheets × Price per Sheet (+ Labor + Mud + Tape + Screws)
Worked example
A 12 × 12 ft × 8 ft room: 4 walls × (12 ft × 8 ft) = 384 ft² ÷ 32 ft²/sheet = 12 sheets. At $16/sheet = $192 in drywall. Add $40 in mud, $12 in tape, $15 in screws. DIY: $259. Turnkey at $3/ft²: $1,150.
Common project sizes
Quick reference for the most common drywall cost calculator use cases. Use these as a sanity check on your calculator inputs.
| Project | Dimensions | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom (5 × 8 × 8 ft) | 8 sheets | $130–$165 DIY · $700–$1,000 turnkey |
| Bedroom (12 × 12 × 8 ft) | 17 sheets | $270–$340 DIY · $1,300–$2,100 turnkey |
| Garage (24 × 24 × 8 ft) | 60 sheets | $960–$1,200 DIY · $4,600–$7,300 turnkey |
| 2,000 ft² home rebuild | ~250 sheets | $4,000–$5,000 DIY · $20,000–$30,000 turnkey |
2026 cost reference
Typical retail price range in the United States for drywall cost. Local pricing varies by region, supplier, and grade — confirm with two or three quotes before ordering.
Per 4×8 sheet (½-inch)
$14 – $22
Standard ½-in: $14–$18. ⅝-in: $17–$22. Moisture-resistant: $20–$28. Type X fire-rated: $20–$30. Soundproof: $40–$55. Add $30–$60 per truckload for delivery; many big-box stores include local delivery free above $400.
Tips for accurate results
- Order 10–15% extra. Damaged corners and cut waste add up fast on first-time DIY jobs.
- Use 5/8" Type X on garage walls adjacent to living space and ceilings (code requirement in most jurisdictions).
- Joint compound (mud) costs $15–$25 per 5-gallon bucket and covers ~500 ft² for the full 3-coat process.
- Setting-type compound ("hot mud") cures in 20–90 minutes regardless of humidity — use it for first-coat fills if you're in a rush.
- Pros achieve Level 4 finish in 2 weeks; first-time DIY usually takes 4–6 weeks across primed-and-ready.
When to consult a pro
Drywall hanging is workable for DIY — heavy but mechanical. The finish (mud + tape + sand) is where most homeowners struggle: Level 4 finish takes practice and good lighting to spot waves. For closets and utility rooms, DIY full job is fine. For visible living space, consider hanging yourself ($0.50/ft² in labor saved) but hiring a finisher.