Drywall Calculator
Calculate drywall panels, vertical studs, top and bottom track lengths, screws and joint tape for steel-frame partition walls.
What this calculates
Calculates wall area, cladding area (one or both sides), number of vertical studs, top and bottom track length, drywall panels, screws and joint tape.
Formula used
Studs = ceil(length ÷ stud spacing) + 1. Tracks = 2 × length. Panels = ceil(cladding area × (1 + waste) ÷ panel area). Screws ≈ 32 per panel. Tape ≈ 8 m per panel.
Worked example
A 5 m × 2.4 m wall, studs at 40 cm, clad on both sides: studs = 14, tracks = 10 m, cladding area = 24 m². With 10% waste: 26.4 m² ÷ 2.88 m²/panel = 10 panels, 320 screws, 80 m tape.
Stud spacing options
40 cm (16 in): standard residential, stiffer wall, better sound performance. 60 cm (24 in): lightweight non-structural partitions. Fire-rated or sound-rated assemblies may require specific spacings — check the system specifications.
When not to use this calculator
Multi-layer assemblies (double drywall for fire rating), curved walls, or partitions requiring acoustic or fire certification need specialized design and product-specific quantities.
Frequently asked questions
How many drywall sheets do I need?
Total cladding area with waste ÷ panel area (1.2 × 2.4 m = 2.88 m²), rounded up.
How far apart should studs be?
40 cm (16 in) for standard walls. 60 cm (24 in) for lightweight non-structural partitions.
How many screws per panel?
About 32 screws per 1.2×2.4 m panel is a common estimate for single-layer installation.
What is the standard drywall panel size?
1.2 m × 2.4 m (4 ft × 8 ft). Enter a different size if your panels differ.
Assumptions
- Panel size: 1.2 m × 2.4 m (adjustable).
- Screws: ~32 per panel.
- Joint tape: ~8 m per panel.
- Does not include joint compound, primer, corner beads or insulation.
- No deductions for door or window openings.
Fire-rated or sound-rated partition assemblies require specific framing systems, board types and thicknesses. Do not use this estimate for code-compliance purposes.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the bottom track screws into the floor — use concrete anchors if on slab.
- Not staggering vertical joints between front and back faces.
- Skipping corner bead and joint compound on outside corners.