Drywall Cost Per Square Foot Calculator
Estimate the total cost of drywall for your project based on the total area needing coverage and the average cost per square foot (which typically includes both materials and labor).
Enter the total area in square feet and the estimated cost per square foot. Ensure your cost per square foot includes all factors you wish to consider (e.g., material only, material + labor, finishing, etc.).
Enter Drywall Project Details
Understanding Drywall Costs
Drywall costs vary significantly based on factors like location, material quality (e.g., standard, moisture-resistant, fire-resistant), labor rates, project complexity (e.g., high ceilings, many corners, level of finish), and whether you're doing it yourself (DIY) or hiring professionals.
The calculator uses a simple formula:
Total Cost = Total Area (Sq Ft) × Cost Per Square Foot ($/Sq Ft)
Make sure the "Cost Per Square Foot" value you enter accurately reflects the scope you want to cost (e.g., just sheets, sheets + tape/mud, or sheets + tape/mud + labor).
Drywall Cost Examples
Click on an example to see the step-by-step calculation:
Example 1: Small Room (DIY Materials)
Scenario: Estimate material cost for a small room.
1. Known Values: Total Area = 200 Sq Ft, Estimated Material Cost Per Sq Ft = $0.70.
2. Formula: Total Cost = Area × Cost/Sq Ft
3. Calculation: Total Cost = 200 Sq Ft × $0.70/Sq Ft = $140
4. Result: Estimated material cost is $140.
Example 2: Standard Bedroom (Material + Labor)
Scenario: Estimate total cost to drywall a standard bedroom including professional installation.
1. Known Values: Total Area = 550 Sq Ft, Estimated Total Cost Per Sq Ft (Material + Labor) = $2.30.
2. Formula: Total Cost = Area × Cost/Sq Ft
3. Calculation: Total Cost = 550 Sq Ft × $2.30/Sq Ft = $1265
4. Result: Estimated total cost is $1265.
Example 3: Basement Walls (Material + Labor + Finishing)
Scenario: Estimate total cost for finishing basement walls, including Level 4 finish.
1. Known Values: Total Area = 800 Sq Ft, Estimated Total Cost Per Sq Ft (Installed + Taped/Mudded) = $3.10.
2. Formula: Total Cost = Area × Cost/Sq Ft
3. Calculation: Total Cost = 800 Sq Ft × $3.10/Sq Ft = $2480
4. Result: Estimated total finishing cost is $2480.
Example 4: Garage Walls & Ceiling (DIY Materials)
Scenario: Estimate material cost for a standard two-car garage.
1. Known Values: Total Area = 1200 Sq Ft, Estimated Material Cost Per Sq Ft = $0.85.
2. Formula: Total Cost = Area × Cost/Sq Ft
3. Calculation: Total Cost = 1200 Sq Ft × $0.85/Sq Ft = $1020
4. Result: Estimated material cost is $1020.
Example 5: Small Addition Room
Scenario: Estimate total cost (material + labor) for a small room addition.
1. Known Values: Total Area = 350 Sq Ft, Estimated Total Cost Per Sq Ft = $2.60.
2. Formula: Total Cost = Area × Cost/Sq Ft
3. Calculation: Total Cost = 350 Sq Ft × $2.60/Sq Ft = $910
4. Result: Estimated total cost is $910.
Example 6: Single Wall Repair/Patch
Scenario: Estimate cost for dry-walling a single repaired wall section.
1. Known Values: Total Area = 50 Sq Ft, Estimated Total Cost Per Sq Ft (including minimum service call factor) = $8.00.
2. Formula: Total Cost = Area × Cost/Sq Ft
3. Calculation: Total Cost = 50 Sq Ft × $8.00/Sq Ft = $400
4. Result: Estimated cost is $400 (note: small jobs often have a higher per-sq-ft cost due to setup/travel).
Example 7: Ceiling Only
Scenario: Estimate cost for dry-walling a ceiling in a rectangular room.
1. Known Values: Total Area = 400 Sq Ft, Estimated Total Cost Per Sq Ft = $2.80.
2. Formula: Total Cost = Area × Cost/Sq Ft
3. Calculation: Total Cost = 400 Sq Ft × $2.80/Sq Ft = $1120
4. Result: Estimated ceiling drywall cost is $1120.
Example 8: Moisture-Resistant Board (Green Board)
Scenario: Estimate material cost for a bathroom using green board.
1. Known Values: Total Area = 150 Sq Ft, Estimated Material Cost Per Sq Ft (Green Board) = $1.20.
2. Formula: Total Cost = Area × Cost/Sq Ft
3. Calculation: Total Cost = 150 Sq Ft × $1.20/Sq Ft = $180
4. Result: Estimated material cost for green board is $180.
Example 9: Large Commercial Space
Scenario: Estimate cost for a large, simple commercial interior space.
1. Known Values: Total Area = 5000 Sq Ft, Estimated Total Cost Per Sq Ft (Volume Discount) = $1.90.
2. Formula: Total Cost = Area × Cost/Sq Ft
3. Calculation: Total Cost = 5000 Sq Ft × $1.90/Sq Ft = $9500
4. Result: Estimated cost for the large space is $9500.
Example 10: Complex Area with Many Cuts
Scenario: Estimate cost for an area with many windows, doors, and angles.
1. Known Values: Total Area = 400 Sq Ft, Estimated Total Cost Per Sq Ft (Higher Labor Cost) = $3.50.
2. Formula: Total Cost = Area × Cost/Sq Ft
3. Calculation: Total Cost = 400 Sq Ft × $3.50/Sq Ft = $1400
4. Result: Estimated cost for the complex area is $1400.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drywall Costs
1. What factors influence the "Cost Per Square Foot"?
Factors include labor rates (most significant variable), material type (standard, moisture-resistant, fire-rated), thickness, level of finish required (Level 0 to Level 5), project complexity (high ceilings, curved walls, many corners/openings), and your geographic location.
2. Does the calculator's "Cost Per Square Foot" include labor?
That depends entirely on the number you enter. If you want an estimate including labor, you must research and use a cost per square foot value that reflects both materials and installation/finishing for your area.
3. What is a typical range for drywall cost per square foot?
Material only might be $0.50 - $1.50/Sq Ft. Installed with basic finishing (Level 3-4) by professionals typically ranges from $2.00 - $4.00/Sq Ft, but can be higher for small, complex, or high-finish jobs.
4. How do I measure the "Total Area (Sq Ft)" for drywall?
Measure the length and height of each wall and ceiling surface. Multiply length by height for each section to get its area in square feet. Sum up the areas of all walls and ceilings to get the total square footage. Do NOT subtract for standard doors or windows, as the labor/material for cutting around them often offsets the material saved.
5. Why might a small drywall repair cost more per square foot than a large room?
Contractors often have minimum charges to cover travel, setup time, and administrative costs, regardless of the job size. This fixed cost spread over a small area results in a much higher per-square-foot rate.
6. What is the difference between material cost and installed cost?
Material cost is just the price of the drywall sheets, tape, mud, and fasteners. Installed cost includes materials PLUS the labor for hanging, taping, mudding, and finishing the drywall.
7. Does this calculator account for waste?
The calculator itself does not. The "Cost Per Square Foot" value you input should ideally be based on typical installed costs which implicitly include a factor for standard waste (usually around 10-15%).
8. What is Level 5 finish and how does it affect cost?
Level 5 is the highest level of drywall finish, requiring a skim coat over the entire surface for a perfectly smooth look, especially critical under strong lighting. It significantly increases labor time and material (mud) costs, making the per-square-foot cost much higher than lower finish levels.
9. Can I use this for exterior sheathing costs?
No, this calculator is specifically for interior drywall (gypsum board). Exterior sheathing (like OSB or plywood) uses different materials and installation methods.
10. Is this calculator an official quote?
No, this is purely an estimation tool based on the data you provide. For an accurate quote, you must get bids from qualified drywall contractors who can assess the specific conditions and requirements of your project.
