How many screws per sheet of drywall?

Plan for approximately 28 to 32 screws per 4x8 sheet. Screws are placed into each stud the sheet crosses — every 8 inches on panel edges and every 12 inches in the field (interior of the panel). Ceiling sheets require screws every 7 to 8 inches on all framing members.

Should I use screws or nails for drywall?

Drywall screws are strongly preferred over nails. They provide better holding power, do not pop out over time like nails, and are required by most modern building codes. Use a drywall screw gun or a drill with a dimpler bit to set each screw to the correct depth automatically without breaking the paper face.

How many sheets of drywall do I need for a room?

Measure the total wall area (perimeter times ceiling height) plus the ceiling area (length times width). Divide the sum by 32 sq ft per 4x8 sheet and add 10% for waste. A 12x14 ft room with 8-ft ceilings has about 584 sq ft of surface area (416 wall + 168 ceiling), requiring 19 sheets plus 2 extra for waste.

What is the difference between 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch drywall?

Standard 1/2-inch drywall is used for most walls and non-fire-rated ceilings. 5/8-inch Type X drywall is fire-rated (1-hour fire resistance in a standard assembly) and is required by code for garage-to-house separation walls, ceilings below habitable attic space, and shared walls in townhomes and multi-family buildings. Type X is also stiffer and sag-resistant on ceilings.

Do I need moisture-resistant drywall in bathrooms?

Standard drywall is acceptable on bathroom walls and ceilings that will be painted. However, moisture-resistant drywall (green board or mold-resistant purple board) is recommended for bathroom walls. Behind tile in tub and shower surrounds, use cement backer board (Durock, Hardiebacker) — never use standard or green board drywall in wet areas.

Drywall Sheet Calculator

How much drywall do I need? Free calculator for 1/2" & 5/8" sheets — estimates 4x8 and 4x12 panels for walls and ceilings.

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Enter Your Measurements

How to Use This Calculator

1Add up all wall square footage plus ceiling square footage.
2Select drywall thickness.
3Click Calculate — get sheets, screws, and joint compound.

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About This Material

Drywall (also called gypsum board, wallboard, or by the brand name Sheetrock) is the standard interior wall and ceiling finish material. Sheets are 4 feet wide and come in 8, 10, and 12-foot lengths, with 4x8 (32 sq ft) being the most common. Standard 1/2-inch drywall is used for walls, while 5/8-inch Type X (fire-rated) is required for garage-to-house walls, ceilings below livable space, and many multi-family assemblies. Lightweight drywall (UltraLight by GP, LightRock by CertainTeed) weighs 20-25% less than standard boards and is much easier to handle on ceilings. Moisture-resistant drywall (green board or purple board) is used in bathrooms and kitchens. Cement board (Durock, Hardiebacker) is required behind tile in wet areas like showers. Standard 1/2-inch 4x8 sheets cost $10 to $15 each, while 5/8-inch Type X costs $13 to $18 each. Longer sheets (4x12) reduce the number of end joints but are heavier and harder to handle.

Next Steps:

Drywall Screw Calculator →Joint Compound Calculator →

Installation Tips

•Hang ceilings first, then walls.
•Stagger joints — no H-joints.
•Use 1-1/4" screws for walls, 1-5/8" for ceilings.
•Drive screws dimple-deep but do not break paper.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not staggering joints — H-joints crack.
Over-driving screws and breaking the paper face.
Running boards parallel to joists on ceilings — perpendicular reduces sag.
Skipping the mechanical room wall — always drywall even in unfinished areas.

Drywall Sheet Calculator

How to Use This Calculator

About This Material

Installation Tips

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Frequently Asked Questions

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