Drywall Installation Cost Calculator
Estimate drywall installation cost from room dimensions, ceiling inclusion, openings, waste, board materials, finishing supplies and labor rates.
Default project preview
$2,649.92
Wall area
464 ft²
Ceiling area
208 ft²
Board order area
679 ft²
Board materials
$644.77
Calculator
Build the material order
Your order will appear here
Enter the project details and calculate a rounded material estimate.
Input and output guide
What each value means
The labels and units below are part of this calculator’s visible methodology. Replace every default with measurements or product data from the actual project.
Room length
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 16 ft.
Room width
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 13 ft.
Wall height
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 8 ft.
Door and window area
Enter this project assumption in ft². The current imperial default is 55 ft². Minimum: 0.
Ceiling included
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 100 %. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 100.
Board waste allowance
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 10 %. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 35.
Board and fastener materials
Enter this project assumption in per ft². The current imperial default is 0.95 per ft². Minimum: 0.
Tape and finishing materials
Enter this project assumption in per ft². The current imperial default is 0.55 per ft². Minimum: 0.
Hanging and finishing labor
Enter this project assumption in per ft². The current imperial default is 2.4 per ft². Minimum: 0.
Delivery and setup allowance
Enter this project assumption in fixed. The current imperial default is 185 fixed. Minimum: 0.
How to read the outputs
Wall area
before openings. Default preview: 464 ft².
Ceiling area
100% included. Default preview: 208 ft².
Board order area
includes waste. Default preview: 679 ft².
Board materials
board and fasteners. Default preview: $644.77.
Finishing and labor
tape, compound and labor. Default preview: $1,820.15.
Cost per net area
per ft². Default preview: $4.29.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Net area = wall area + selected ceiling area − openings. Board order area adds waste. Total cost adds board materials, finishing materials, labor and fixed setup.
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FAQ
Drywall Installation Cost Calculator questions
Should small openings be deducted?+
Many estimates ignore very small openings because extra cutting and finishing can offset the saved board area.
Does this include painting?+
No. Primer and paint should be estimated separately.
What changes labor cost most?+
Ceiling work, high walls, finish level, access, repairs and complex corners are common cost drivers.