Drywall Job Cost Estimator

Estimate a drywall job: sheets from wall and ceiling area plus waste, your sheet price, mud/tape supplies, hang-and-finish labor, markup and tax.

Surface area to cover. Most estimators do not subtract doors and windows for drywall.
%
$per sheet
Price for the sheet size and type you chose (e.g. ½ in regular 4 × 8). Example rate — enter your own.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
$per ft²
Example rate — enter your own.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
$per ft²
Example rate — enter your own. BLS reports a May 2025 median wage of $28.74/h for drywall and ceiling tile installers.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
%
Added to direct costs (materials + labor + fees) to cover overhead and profit. Example rate — enter your own.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
%
Your combined state + local rate. Example rate — enter your own.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
Whether labor and services are taxable depends on your state. Check with your state revenue department.
Estimated TOTAL
$2,605.80
Sheets needed (4x8 ft, incl. waste)
28 sheets
Drywall (28 sheets)
$420.00
Finishing supplies
$120.00
Labor: hang, tape & finish
$1,600.00
Direct cost (before markup)
$2,140.00
Overhead & profit (20%)
$428.00
Subtotal
$2,568.00
Sales tax (7% on materials at cost)
$37.80
Cost per ft²
$3.26
Cost per m²
$35.06

Estimate generated with SortedSums: https://sortedsums.com/drywall-job-estimator/. For informational purposes only; verify before relying on it.

Estimate only. This tool is for informational and educational purposes. Results depend on your inputs and simplifying assumptions, and are not a substitute for professional engineering, design or financial advice. Always verify with a qualified professional and applicable codes before purchasing, building or making decisions.

How it’s calculated

Sheets are counted from the surface area plus a waste allowance and rounded up. Supplies and labor are priced per square foot of surface.

Sheets = ⌈ area × (1 + waste%) ÷ sheet area ⌉ Direct cost = sheets × $/sheet + area × (supplies + labor) TOTAL = direct cost × (1 + markup%) + tax

Example (default example rates): 800 ft² + 10% = 880 ft² ÷ 32 = 27.5 → 28 sheets × $15 = $420; supplies 800 × $0.15 = $120; labor 800 × $2.00 = $1,600. Direct cost $2,140; +20% = $2,568; 7% tax on materials ($540) = $37.80. TOTAL = $2,605.80 (≈ $3.26/ft²).

This is a planning estimate only. It does not include anything not entered above, such as permits, inspections, engineering, site preparation, demolition or disposal (unless entered), access or equipment problems, regional surcharges, contingency or price changes. Get written quotes before committing. For drywall that includes demolition, framing repairs, insulation, fire-rated or moisture-resistant board upgrades, texture, primer and paint, high ceilings or scaffolding.

Frequently asked questions

Should I subtract doors and windows?

Usually not. The cut-outs become waste anyway, and the extra board covers mistakes. Subtract only very large openings such as garage doors or window walls.

Are bigger sheets cheaper?

Longer sheets (10 or 12 ft) mean fewer seams to tape and finish, which saves labor, but they are heavier and harder to handle. Enter the price for the size you actually buy.

What finish level does the labor rate cover?

Set your rate for the finish level you quote. Smooth Level 5 finishes take much more time than Level 4 or textured walls.

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Sources

Formulas are taken from the free public references above. Results are provided “as is” for informational and educational purposes only. See our disclaimer.

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