Drywall Calculator (Sheets, Tape, Compound)

Wall area is 2(L+W)H minus 20 ft² per door and 15 ft² per window. Ceiling is L×W when included. Sheets are 32 ft² with waste.

Inputs

Units

Results

Wall area (minus openings): 302.0ft²
Area to buy: 464.2ft²
4×8 sheets: 15
Joint tape: 240ft
Joint compound: 4.6gal

Recommended gear

Calculation method

Openings use round figures (20 ft² door, 15 ft² window). Waste inflates the buy area before dividing by 32 ft² sheets. Tape and compound are rules of thumb for a three-coat finish.

Exact formula

tape ≈ 16 lf per sheet. compound ≈ 1 gal per 100 ft² of finish area (three-coat sketch).

Paint next

The wall area here is close to the paint calculator’s net area if you use the same openings.

Frequently asked questions

Should I buy 4×12 sheets?

This count is 4×8. For 4×12, divide area by 48 ft² instead — not modelled here.

Why subtract doors?

You do not hang rock over a door. The 20 ft² credit is a typical slab door plus casing.

Metric sheets?

Area converts to m². Sheet count still assumes 4×8 (1.22×2.44 m) stock.

Disclaimer — no professional advice, no liability

Sheet orientation, waste at corners and level-5 finish change the order. This is a takeoff sketch.

These calculators, pages and any related content are provided “as is” and “as available”, solely for general educational and informational purposes. They are simplified mathematical estimates, not a construction drawing, cut list or material takeoff, and they do not constitute engineering, architectural, structural, building-code or other professional advice.

Results can be wrong, incomplete or inapplicable to your lumber, moisture content, species, fasteners, climate, codes or use case. You must independently verify every figure, assume all risk, and have a licensed contractor, carpenter or structural engineer review any purchase or installation before you act on it.

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