Drywall Calculator

Calculate how many drywall sheets you need for a wall or ceiling, based on area, standard sheet size and waste.

Number of sheets
10
24 m² + 10% waste
Area
24.0 m²
Area with waste
26.4 m²

How to use the drywall calculator

  1. Enter the total wall length (sum of all walls) and the wall height.
  2. Choose the sheet size you plan to use.
  3. Enter your desired waste percentage — 10% is common for simple rooms with straight walls.

How the sheet count is calculated

The calculator adds waste to the area, then divides by the area of a single sheet:

Number of sheets = (Area × (1 + Waste ÷ 100)) ÷ Sheet size

A common drywall sheet size is 1200 × 2400 mm, giving 2.88 m² per sheet. If you're covering walls with many corners, doors or windows, it can pay off to increase the waste percentage somewhat.

Note: The calculator doesn't automatically subtract area for doors and windows. If these are large relative to the wall area, you can reduce the length/height accordingly for a more accurate result.

Frequently asked questions

Should I subtract area for doors and windows?

For large openings (big window walls, double doors) it can be worth it. For regular doors and windows it's often simpler to just plan for a bit extra waste, since cut-off scraps often can't be reused elsewhere.

Do I need two layers of drywall on fire-rated walls?

Yes, fire-separation walls often require two layers of drywall. Check the requirements in your local building code or with a professional, and double the sheet count if needed.