Drywall calculator
Calculate the number of drywall sheets or panels for walls or ceilings.
Drywall / panel calculator
Calculate how many panels you need for a wall or ceiling based on dimensions, panel size, layers and waste.
Wall height or ceiling width
Allowance for cutting and defects
Practical estimate — varies by panel type and installation
Your panel project
5 drywall sheets (1200 × 2400 mm) for 9.6 m² wall
Area
9.6 m²
Panel size
1200 × 2400 mm
Coats
1
Panels
5 pcs
Screws
150 pcs
Materials
9.6 m² wall + waste
Buy 1 pack of 200 pcs = 200 pcs (surplus 50 pcs)
ℹThe result is an estimate based on dimensions, panel size, layers and waste.
ℹActual requirements may vary depending on joints, cutouts, construction and panel type.
Example: 9.6 m² wall
If you clad a wall of 4 × 2.4 metres (9.6 m²) with 1200 × 2400 mm drywall sheets in 1 layer and add 10 % waste, you need 4 panels. With 2 layers the requirement doubles to 8 panels.
Calculation for a 4 × 2.4 metre wall with drywall sheets:
Remember that cutouts for sockets, windows and door frames can increase waste beyond 10 %.
How to calculate drywall and panels
Panel size matters
Larger panels cover more area per piece and produce fewer joints — but they are heavier and harder to handle alone. 1200 × 2400 mm is the most common size for standard-height walls. For tall rooms or ceilings 2700 or 3000 mm may be more efficient.
Layers change the result
For noise reduction, fire protection or extra strength 2 layers of panels are often fitted. This simply doubles the number of panels, screws and filler. The calculator handles this automatically.
Always add waste
Panels must be cut at corners, sockets, windows and door frames. 10 % extra is a good starting point. For many cutouts or irregular rooms consider increasing to 15 %.
Cutouts increase requirements
Sockets, windows, door frames, pipe penetrations and angled walls all require cutting. The offcut from a window rarely reusable in full, so plan with some reserve.
Drywall vs. OSB vs. Fermacell
Drywall sheets are light and easy to fill — ideal for interior walls. Fermacell is harder and moisture-resistant — great for bathrooms. OSB and plywood are stronger structural boards for e.g. garages, sheds and subfloors. The panel type affects installation method and screw consumption.
How to use this calculator
Four quick steps – you don't need to be a tradesperson to follow them.
- Measure the wall or ceiling area you're cladding.
- Pick the panel type and size (e.g. 120 × 240 cm).
- Enter the number of layers – usually 1, sometimes 2 for fire or sound rating.
- Check the panel and screw counts. Add 5–10 % waste for cuts.
Common mistakes
Small things that often cost an extra trip to the hardware store.
- Forgetting waste – especially when panels need cutting around windows, doors and pipes.
- Wrong panel type – wet rooms (bath, kitchen) need moisture-resistant panels.
- Screw spacing too wide – aim for 15–20 cm for a stable surface.
- Forgetting jointing compound and corner beads – they're part of the real budget.
Example: a 12 m² stud wall
A 12 m² stud wall clad both sides with 120 × 240 cm panels (2.88 m² each) is about 9 panels by area. Add 10 % waste and that's 10 panels – plus screws every 17 cm along the studs.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions we hear most often about this calculator.
How many screws per panel?
Usually 30–40 depending on panel size and stud spacing. The calculator gives you an estimate.
Do I need two layers?
Usually no. But walls with fire or sound ratings often need two layers – check the construction spec.
Which panel type for a bathroom?
Use moisture-resistant or wet-room panels. Standard plasterboard doesn't rot in the strict sense, but it does soften and crumble over time.
Does the calculator include jointing compound?
It focuses on panels and screws. Jointing compound, scrim tape and corner beads need to be planned separately.
Use the results in a real project
With MyPlanDIY you can save materials, create budgets, track tasks and bring everything together in one project.
No credit card required. Free demo project included.
See also
Keep going with one of these – they pair well with what you just read.
Related guides
Build a drywall partition wall
Stud spacing, sheets, screws and the usual pitfalls. A clean DIY partition wall.
Read guide →Wall paneling material list
Complete material list for wall paneling with boards or panels – from calculation to checkout.
Read guide →Deck project from start to finish
Step-by-step guide to planning and building a deck. Measuring, materials, budget and mistakes.
Read guide →