Drywall estimator
Drywall is sold as big sheets, but your walls are full of small surprises: soffits, closets, windows, doors, weird angles, and the fact that every cut produces scrap. The “right” sheet count is the one that lets you finish without a midnight run for two more panels.
For developers: API access
Same result via GET request (use current inputs above):
curl -s "https://howdeedo.com/api/calc/drywall-estimator?areaSqFt=320&sheetLengthFt=8&sheetWidthFt=4&wastePercent=15"fetch("https://howdeedo.com/api/calc/drywall-estimator?areaSqFt=320&sheetLengthFt=8&sheetWidthFt=4&wastePercent=15").then(r => r.json())Get an API key for higher limits and stable access.
Good to know
Sheet size is a strategy decision. 4×12 sheets reduce seams (less taping) but are heavier and harder to maneuver. 4×8 sheets are easier in tight spaces but create more joints. Your body and your room layout are part of the math.
Corners create scraps. The more corners, doors, and windows you have, the more offcuts you produce. A perfectly rectangular room is drywall heaven. A room with bump-outs is where the waste factor earns its keep.
Ceilings are where it gets real. Hanging drywall overhead is harder, and the seams matter more visually. If you’re including ceilings, consider using larger sheets to reduce joints — and plan your lift/help accordingly.
Methodology, disclaimers & sources
How it works
- Total area (sq ft) ÷ sheet area (sq ft per sheet) = raw sheets
- Add waste/overage if enabled
- Round up to whole sheets
Details & assumptions
This is an area-based estimate. It doesn’t model stud layout, optimal cutting patterns, or special situations (like angled ceilings) unless you add extra area manually. Waste accounts for offcuts and layout inefficiency.