Drywall Installation Cost Calculator
Calculate drywall area, estimate installation costs, and create a material list. Includes labor costs for hanging and finishing at different quality levels.
Drywall Cost Quick Reference (2026)
📐 Room Dimensions
🚪 Doors to Deduct
🪟 Windows to Deduct
📊 Area Results
Net Drywall Area Needed
495 sq ft
With 10% waste: 545 sq ft
4×8 Sheets
18
4×12 Sheets
12
Area Breakdown
📊 2026 Drywall Cost Guide
| Room Size | Approx. Sq Ft | Sheets (4×8) | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 Bedroom | 400 | 14 | $600 | $1,400 |
| 12×12 Room | 500 | 17 | $750 | $1,750 |
| 15×15 Living Room | 680 | 23 | $1,020 | $2,380 |
| 20×20 Large Room | 1040 | 35 | $1,560 | $3,640 |
| 1000 sq ft Area | 1000 | 34 | $1,500 | $3,500 |
| 2000 sq ft House | 2000 | 67 | $3,000 | $7,000 |
* Includes walls + ceiling, standard drywall, Level 4 finish. Prices vary by location and complexity. Add 10-15% for high ceilings.
🎨 Drywall Finish Levels Explained
| Level | Description | Best For | Add. Cost/sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 0 | No tape or finishing | Temporary walls | $0 |
| Level 1 | Basic tape embedded in compound | Above ceilings, concealed | +$0.25 |
| Level 2 | Tape + one coat of mud | Tile substrate, garages | +$0.50 |
| Level 3 | Tape + two coats, minimal sanding | Textured walls/ceilings | +$0.75 |
| Level 4 | Tape + 2-3 coats, smooth sanded | Standard residential (paint) | +$1.00 |
| Level 5 | Skim coat entire surface | High-end, glossy paint, lighting | +$1.75 |
🏗️ Understanding Drywall Installation Costs
What Affects Drywall Cost?
Drywall installation costs vary significantly based on several factors. The biggest variables are labor rates (which vary by region), finish level required, and project complexity. Simple rectangular rooms with standard 8-foot ceilings cost less than rooms with cathedral ceilings, multiple corners, or specialty drywall requirements. Expect to pay 15-25% more for ceilings than walls due to the difficulty of overhead work.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
While DIY can save 60-70% on labor costs, drywall installation is labor-intensive and requires specific skills. Hanging drywall needs at least two people (sheets weigh 50-60 lbs each), and achieving a smooth finish takes practice. Renting a drywall lift ($40-60/day) makes ceiling installation much easier. For most homeowners, hiring professionals is worth it for the time savings and quality finish.
Getting Accurate Quotes
When getting contractor quotes, ask for itemized estimates showing materials vs. labor. Get at least 3 quotes and verify they're quoting the same finish level. Ask about disposal fees (old drywall removal adds $0.50-$2.50/sq ft), whether texture is included, and the timeline. Be wary of quotes significantly below market rate—quality finishing takes time and skill.
💵 Quick Cost Reference
Total: $1.50 - $3.50 /sq ft
Materials: $0.50 - $0.80 /sq ft
Labor (hang): $0.85 - $1.90 /sq ft
Labor (finish): $0.65 - $1.50 /sq ft
4×8 sheet = 32 sq ft • 4×12 = 48 sq ft
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- Buy materials yourself (10-15% savings)
- Use 4×12 sheets (fewer seams)
- Level 4 is fine for most rooms
- Schedule during off-peak season
- Bundle with other work for discounts
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Frequently Asked Questions
For 1000 sq ft of drywall installation (materials + labor), expect to pay $1,500 to $3,500. This breaks down to: materials $500-$800 (32 sheets at $12-18 each plus supplies), and labor $1,000-$2,700. Costs vary based on drywall type, finish level, and your location. Level 4 finish (standard paint-ready) in most areas runs about $2,000-$2,500 for 1000 sq ft.
Calculate drywall labor by multiplying total square footage by labor rate per sq ft. Labor typically costs $1.00-$2.70/sq ft for hanging AND finishing combined. For a 500 sq ft room: 500 × $1.50 (average) = $750 labor. Hanging alone is $0.85-$1.90/sq ft, while finishing (tape, mud, sand) adds $0.65-$1.50/sq ft. Higher ceilings, complex cuts, and premium finishes increase labor costs.
A 20×20 room with 8ft ceilings has approximately 1,040 sq ft of wall and ceiling area (640 walls + 400 ceiling). At $1.50-$3.50/sq ft installed, expect $1,560-$3,640 total. With one door and two windows deducted (~45 sq ft), net area is ~995 sq ft. Average cost: $1,500-$2,500 for standard drywall with Level 4 finish. Add 15-20% for high ceilings or premium finishes.
Drywall finishing (taping, mudding, sanding) typically costs $0.85-$3.50 per sq ft depending on finish level. Level 1 (basic): $0.40-$0.65/sq ft. Level 3 (texture-ready): $0.75-$1.25/sq ft. Level 4 (paint-ready): $1.00-$1.75/sq ft. Level 5 (smooth/premium): $1.75-$3.50/sq ft. Most residential jobs use Level 4. Add complexity charges for high ceilings or many corners.
The combined cost to hang AND finish drywall is $1.50-$3.50 per square foot, including materials and labor. Breaking it down: hanging costs $0.85-$1.90/sq ft (labor) + $0.40-$0.60/sq ft (materials). Finishing adds $0.65-$1.50/sq ft (labor) + $0.15-$0.25/sq ft (mud, tape). Total materials: $0.50-$0.80/sq ft. Total labor: $1.00-$2.70/sq ft. National average is about $2.00-$2.50/sq ft.
A 12×12 room with 8ft ceilings needs approximately 15-17 sheets of 4×8 drywall. Calculation: Walls = 2×(12+12)×8 = 384 sq ft. Ceiling = 12×12 = 144 sq ft. Total = 528 sq ft. Minus one door (21 sq ft) = 507 sq ft net. Divide by 32 sq ft per sheet = 15.8 sheets. Add 10% waste = 17 sheets. For 4×12 sheets (48 sq ft each), you'd need about 12 sheets.
🏗️ Disclaimer: Cost estimates are for planning purposes and based on 2026 national averages. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, project complexity, and material availability. Always get multiple written quotes before starting work.