Drywall Cost Calculator | Free Construction Calculators
Calculate the total cost of your drywall project including materials and labor estimates. Our professional drywall cost calculator helps contractors, builders, and homeowners accurately estimate expenses for sheets, joint compound, tape, screws, corner bead, and labor. Enter your material quantities and local pricing to get instant cost breakdowns for residential or commercial drywall installation. Perfect for budgeting new construction, remodeling projects, basement finishing, or room additions with detailed itemized estimates for materials and professional installation labor costs.
Detailed Breakdown
Itemized costs for sheets, compound, tape, screws, and all materials needed
Labor Estimates
Professional installation costs for hanging, taping, and finishing at various quality levels
Custom Pricing
Adjust material prices based on your local market rates and supplier quotes
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the number of drywall sheets needed (use our Sheets Calculator if unsure)
- Input your local price per sheet based on thickness and type ($10-20 typical range)
- Specify total tape length required in linear feet for all seams
- Enter joint compound buckets needed (use our Compound Calculator for estimates)
- Input screw boxes required (use our Screws Calculator for exact quantities)
- Click Calculate to see total material costs and labor estimates
Cost Calculation Formula
Sheet Costs: Number of Sheets × Price per Sheet
Compound Costs: Buckets × $15-25 per 5-gallon bucket
Tape Costs: (Total Feet ÷ 500) × $8-15 per roll
Labor Range: Total Square Feet × $1.50-5.00 per sq ft based on finish level
About Drywall Project Costs
Drywall installation costs vary significantly based on project size, finish quality, ceiling height, and regional labor rates. Material costs typically account for 30-40% of total project expense, with labor representing 60-70%. Understanding both components helps you budget accurately and make informed decisions about DIY versus professional installation. Our calculator provides detailed material breakdowns and labor estimates for different finish levels.
Standard 1/2-inch drywall sheets cost $10-15 per 4x8 panel, while fire-rated 5/8-inch Type X sheets run $12-18. Moisture-resistant greenboard or mold-resistant purple board adds 20-30% to sheet costs. Specialty products like soundproof drywall or abuse-resistant panels can double material costs. Professional contractors often receive 20-30% discounts from suppliers, so DIY material costs may be higher than contractor pricing even before labor.
Labor costs depend heavily on finish level requirements. Simple hanging without finishing runs $1.50-2.00 per square foot. Hanging plus taping (Level 3 finish) costs $2.00-3.00 per square foot. Full Level 4 finish with three coats and sanding ranges from $3.00-4.00 per square foot. Premium Level 5 finish required for critical lighting or gloss paints adds another $1.00-1.50 per square foot. High ceilings, curved walls, and difficult access increase labor costs by 25-50%.
Average Material Costs (2024)
- 1/2" Standard Drywall (4x8): $10-15 per sheet
- 5/8" Type X Fire-Rated (4x8): $12-18 per sheet
- 1/2" Moisture-Resistant (4x8): $13-17 per sheet
- Joint Compound (5-gallon bucket): $15-25 per bucket
- Paper Tape (500-foot roll): $8-15 per roll
- Fiberglass Mesh Tape (300-foot roll): $12-20 per roll
- Drywall Screws (5-pound box): $8-12 per box
- Corner Bead (8-foot metal): $2-4 per piece
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to drywall a 12x12 room?
A 12x12 room with 8-foot ceilings requires approximately 384 square feet of drywall (walls and ceiling). Material costs run $200-300 for sheets, compound, tape, and screws. Professional installation costs $600-1,500 depending on finish level: $600-800 for hanging only, $800-1,200 for Level 4 finish, or $1,200-1,500 for Level 5 finish. Total project cost ranges from $800-1,800. DIY installation saves labor costs but requires tools, experience, and significant time investment.
Is it cheaper to hang drywall yourself or hire a professional?
DIY drywall saves 60-70% on labor costs but requires significant skill, time, and tools. A 500 sq ft project costs $500-700 in materials. Professional installation adds $750-2,500 in labor for total $1,250-3,200. However, professionals work 5-10 times faster, provide better finish quality, and include warranties. First-time DIY projects often require material waste of 20-30% and may need professional repair, reducing savings. Consider DIY for small repairs or utility spaces, professionals for living areas and whole rooms.
What is the difference between Level 3, 4, and 5 drywall finish?
Level 3 finish includes tape embedded in compound and one additional coat over joints and fasteners - adequate for texture or heavy wall coverings ($2.00-3.00/sq ft labor). Level 4 requires two coats over tape and three over fasteners with smooth finish - standard for flat paint and light textures ($3.00-4.00/sq ft). Level 5 adds a skim coat over entire surface for critical lighting, gloss paint, or severe lighting conditions ($4.00-5.00/sq ft). Each level adds approximately $0.50-1.00 per square foot to total project cost.
How much does moisture-resistant or fire-rated drywall cost?
Moisture-resistant drywall (greenboard or purple board) costs 20-30% more than standard: $13-17 per 4x8 sheet versus $10-15 for standard. Fire-rated Type X 5/8-inch drywall runs $12-18 per sheet, about 20% premium over standard 1/2-inch. Soundproof drywall costs $40-60 per sheet, a 300% premium. Installation labor rates remain the same regardless of drywall type. For a 500 sq ft bathroom using moisture-resistant drywall, expect material costs of $200-250 versus $150-200 for standard drywall, adding $50-100 to total project cost.
Should I include waste factor in my drywall cost estimate?
Always add 10-15% waste factor to material costs for cuts, mistakes, and damaged sheets. Complex room layouts with many corners, angles, or openings require 15-20% waste. First-time DIY installers should budget 20-25% extra material. On a $300 material estimate, waste adds $30-75. Professional installers minimize waste through experience but still factor 5-10% into bids. Waste percentage matters more on small projects where a single extra sheet represents larger cost percentage. Order slightly more materials than calculated to avoid project delays from additional supplier trips.
Labor Cost Breakdown by Service
- Hanging Only: $1.50-2.00 per sq ft - sheets installed, no finishing
- Hanging + Taping: $2.00-3.00 per sq ft - includes tape coat and fill coat
- Full Level 4 Finish: $3.00-4.00 per sq ft - complete with three coats and sanding
- Full Level 5 Finish: $4.00-5.00 per sq ft - includes skim coat over entire surface
- Texture Application: Add $0.50-1.50 per sq ft for knockdown, orange peel, or popcorn
- Ceiling Installation: Add 20-30% for overhead work and difficulty
- High Ceilings (10+ feet): Add 25-50% for staging and handling challenges
Related Drywall Calculators
Cost-Saving Tips
- Get multiple quotes: Labor rates vary 20-40% between contractors - compare at least three bids
- Buy materials yourself: Save 10-20% by purchasing materials versus contractor markup
- Consider DIY hanging: Hang sheets yourself, hire professional for taping and finishing only
- Use standard sizes: 4x8 sheets cost less than 4x10 or 4x12 specialty sizes
- Schedule off-season: Contractors may offer 10-15% discounts during slow winter months
- Bundle projects: Multiple rooms cost less per square foot than single room projects