Drywall Calculator: Sheets & Straight-Wall Studs
Estimate drywall sheets and straight-wall studs using US dimensions, one or two covered faces, opening deductions, stud spacing and waste. All measurements use US customary units. Defaults are examples; use actual site dimensions and product coverage.
Your Numbers
Results
Results update live as you type. Estimates only — not financial, tax, or investment advice.
The Formula
Sheets = round up((wall length × height × sides − openings) × (1 + waste% ÷ 100) ÷ sheet area); basic studs = round up(length ft × 12 ÷ spacing in) + 1
Understanding the Drywall Calculator: Sheets & Straight-Wall Studs
Example: a straight 20 foot wall at 8 feet high, covered on both sides, has 320 square feet before openings. Subtract 40 square feet of total face openings and add 10% waste: 308 square feet. With 4 × 8 foot sheets, round up to 10 sheets. At 16 inches on center, the basic run needs 16 studs before extras.
Enter decimal feet. Opening area is the total across all covered faces: a 20 square foot doorway through a two-sided wall deducts 40 square feet. The area-based sheet count does not optimize seams or offcuts. Stud count assumes one uninterrupted straight run with a stud at each end; openings are not deducted. Add studs for corners, junctions, doors and windows using the extras field. Plates and headers are excluded.
A 4 × 8 foot sheet covers 32 square feet. A 4 × 12 sheet covers 48. Sheet count is area-based: seam placement, orientation, ceiling work and offcuts can change the final order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this choose structural framing?
No. Enter the spacing and dimensions specified for your project. The tool only estimates material quantities; it does not size headers, select stud spacing or verify wall design.
Why are studs not subtracted at openings?
An opening needs its own framing and can require additional studs. The straight-run estimate does not design door or window framing; use the additional-studs input for quantities from your project plan.