Inputs
Example data table
| Scenario | Rooms | Dimensions / Area | Sheet size | Waste | Sheets (est.) | Adj. area (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple living room | 1 | 20 ft × 15 ft | 4 × 8 | 10% | 11 | 330 ft² |
| Two similar bedrooms | 2 | 12 ft × 10 ft | 4 × 12 | 12% | 6 | 269 ft² |
| Measured ceiling area | 1 | 500 ft² total | 54" × 12 | 15% | 9 | 575 ft² |
Formula used
- Ceiling area: A = (L × W) × rooms, or total area × rooms.
- Net area: Anet = max(0, A − openings).
- Waste-adjusted area: Aadj = Anet × (1 + waste%/100).
- Sheet area: Asheet = sheetWidth × sheetLength.
- Sheets required: sheets = ceil(Aadj / Asheet).
- Screws: screws = sheets × screwsPerSheet.
- Seam length: seam = Aadj × seamFactor (tunable estimate).
- Tape: tape = seam × 1.03; rolls = ceil(tape / rollLength).
- Compound: gallons = (Aadj / coverage) × coats; buckets = ceil(gallons / bucketSize).
- Weight: weight = Aadj × weightPerArea (typical by thickness).
- Costs: sheetCost = sheets × price; laborCost = Aadj × laborRate; total = sheetCost + laborCost.
How to use this calculator
- Select your unit system and enter how many ceilings share the same measurements.
- Choose either length × width, or enable total-area mode.
- Subtract large openings, then set a realistic waste percentage.
- Select a sheet size and enter pricing if you want cost estimates.
- Tune fasteners and finishing settings to match your build approach.
- Press Calculate to see quantities, weights, and costs above the form.
- Use the download buttons to save results as CSV or PDF.
Professional drywall takeoff guide
Ceiling estimates must be tighter because overhead work increases cuts, joints, and labor. Use this calculator to convert measurements into boards, finishing materials, and budget totals.
1) Measure scope and confirm geometry
Enter each room’s length and width, or a verified total area. Note trays, vaults, soffits, and beams, because they add cuts and joint length. Subtract major openings such as skylights or large access panels.
2) Select sheet size to manage seams
A 4×8 sheet covers 32 ft², while 4×12 covers 48 ft². Longer boards can reduce seams and taping, but they are harder to lift and can break. Choose lengths that match spans and crew capability.
3) Apply waste based on complexity
Simple rectangles often use 8–12% waste. Many penetrations, angled edges, or tight layout control can push waste to 12–18% or higher. Increase waste when you expect many short offcuts or damaged boards.
4) Plan thickness and handling weight
Typical weights are about 1.0 lb/ft² (1/4), 1.6 lb/ft² (1/2), and 2.2 lb/ft² (5/8). Use weight totals to plan lifts, delivery drops, and safe handling on ceilings.
5) Fasteners reflect inspection realities
Ceilings commonly require tighter screw patterns than walls, especially at edges and butt joints. Many crews budget 35–50 screws per 4×8 sheet depending on framing and board type. Set screws-per-sheet to match your standard and local expectations.
6) Estimate tape from seam length
Seam length depends on layout, so the calculator uses a seam factor to translate area into joints. Increase the factor for shorter sheets, many offsets, or frequent butt joints. A 250 ft roll is a common baseline; verify your supplier’s roll length.
7) Joint compound depends on finish level
Compound usage changes with technique and the target finish. A practical start is 90–140 ft² per gallon per coat, multiplied by two to three coats. For skim coats or glossy paint, increase coats and reduce coverage.
8) Build defensible labor numbers
Enter a labor rate per ft² to standardize bids. Overhead work, height, access limits, and protection requirements can raise time on site. Export CSV or PDF to document assumptions like waste, sheet size, and seam factor for each job. Save each run as a dated export so scope changes stay visible for purchasing, scheduling, and client approvals later onsite too.
FAQs
Should I include attic access panels as openings?
Yes. If the panel is large enough to remove full board area, subtract it as an opening. For small hatches, keep it in area and add a little waste for cutouts.
What waste percentage is best for ceilings?
For simple rectangles, 8–12% is typical. For vaulted, tray, or heavily penetrated ceilings, 12–18% is safer. Use higher waste when you expect many short offcuts.
How do I choose between 4×8 and 4×12 sheets?
Use 4×12 to reduce seams in longer rooms when your crew can handle it. Choose 4×8 when access is tight, lifts are limited, or breakage risk is higher.
Why is seam factor adjustable?
Joint length depends on layout, not just area. Shorter sheets, offsets, and many butt joints increase seam footage. Raising seam factor helps your tape and compound estimates match real installations.
Does the labor rate include finishing?
Set the labor rate to match your estimating method. You can include board hanging only, or include taping and finishing. If you split trades, run separate rates and add totals in your bid sheet.
How accurate is the joint compound estimate?
Compound usage varies by finish level and technique. Start with 90–140 ft² per gallon per coat and 2–3 coats. Adjust after a few jobs using your actual consumption to calibrate coverage.
Can I use metric inputs?
Yes. Select Metric and enter dimensions in meters or area in square meters. The calculator converts internally, then displays results back in metric units for area and seam length.
Notes for accuracy
This tool estimates sheets by area. Real-world sheet counts depend on layout, joist direction, room geometry, and handling constraints. Increase waste for beams, vaults, soffits, and many cutouts.
Measure carefully, add waste, and order with confidence today.