Cost Estimators · Drywall
Drywall Cost Per Sq Ft Calculator
Enter your wall and ceiling area and instantly estimate the cost to hang, tape, mud, and finish.
Whether you're finishing a basement, drywalling a new addition, or repairing storm damage, the cost per sq ft depends heavily on the finish level required. A Level 3 finish (standard) costs roughly half of a Level 5 skim-coat finish. Use this calculator to get a realistic starting estimate before speaking to a drywall contractor.
Enter an area above to see your estimate
Using national average: $1.5–$3.5/sq ft
Estimates are based on national averages and are for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, and material choice.
Example: 1,000 sq ft of walls and ceilings
Area
1,000
sq ft
Low Estimate
$1,500
@ $1.5/sq ft
High Estimate
$3,500
@ $3.5/sq ft
Based on national average rates of $1.5–$3.5/sq ft. Actual costs will vary by location and contractor.
What does drywall installation cost per square foot?
Basic drywall installation — hang, tape, mud, and finish — costs $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft. With primer and paint included, expect $2.50–$5 per sq ft total. Ceiling drywall costs more to install than walls due to the overhead work involved. Fire-rated (Type X) and moisture-resistant (green board) panels cost slightly more per sheet. Always factor in 10% waste for standard rooms with windows and doors. After drywalling, painting is the next major cost — use our painting cost per sq ft calculator to estimate that step too.
Cost by project size
| Project size | Low estimate | High estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft (bedroom + hallway) | $750 | $1,750 |
| 800 sq ft | $1,200 | $2,800 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $1,500 | $3,500 |
| 1,500 sq ft (basement finish) | $2,250 | $5,250 |
| 2,000 sq ft (new construction floor) | $3,000 | $7,000 |
Approximate 2026 US national averages at $1.5–$3.5/sq ft installed. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, and project complexity.
What affects drywall cost per square foot?
Finish level
Level 3 (standard smooth) is most common for walls. Level 5 (full skim coat) is a premium finish for walls with raking light — it costs $0.50–$1/sq ft more but looks significantly better under flat paint.
Ceiling vs wall installation
Ceiling drywall costs more to hang due to overhead work — typically $0.50–$1/sq ft more than walls. High ceilings requiring scaffolding add further costs on top.
Drywall type
Standard 1/2 in drywall is cheapest. Fire-rated Type X (5/8 in) is required in garages and certain walls — slightly more per sheet. Moisture-resistant greenboard is needed in bathrooms at a small premium.
Number of openings
Rooms with many windows, doors, and outlets require more cuts and extra finishing work around each opening. Fewer openings means faster and cheaper installation per square foot.
New work vs repairs
New construction drywall is faster and cheaper per sq ft than patching and repairing damaged existing drywall — where matching texture and blending seams adds significant labour time.
Primer and paint inclusion
Drywall must be primed before painting. If primer and two paint coats are included, budget an additional $1–$2/sq ft. Many contractors quote hang-tape-mud-finish only and exclude paint entirely.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to drywall a room?
A standard 12×12 ft bedroom (about 450 sq ft of walls and ceiling) costs $675–$1,575 to drywall at $1.50–$3.50/sq ft. A full basement finish (1,000–1,500 sq ft) typically runs $1,500–$5,250. These prices are for hang, tape, mud, and finish only — not paint.
What is the difference between drywall and Sheetrock?
Sheetrock is a brand name — drywall is the generic term. They are the same product. Sheetrock (by USG) is one of the most widely used brands in the US, which is why the terms are often used interchangeably by contractors and homeowners.
How many sheets of drywall do I need?
Standard drywall sheets are 4×8 ft (32 sq ft). Divide your total wall and ceiling area by 32, then add 10% for waste. For a 1,000 sq ft area you need roughly 35 sheets. Larger 4×12 ft sheets are used for high walls to reduce the number of seams.
What are the drywall finish levels?
Level 1: tape only (attics, service areas). Level 2: tape + one coat (areas to be tiled). Level 3: tape + two coats (standard textured walls). Level 4: tape + three coats (flat paint or light wallpaper). Level 5: full skim coat (premium smooth finish under raking light). Most residential walls are Level 3 or 4.
How long does it take to drywall a room?
Hanging drywall in a 12×12 ft bedroom takes half a day. Taping and mudding requires 2–3 separate coats with drying time between each — typically 3–5 days total before it is ready to sand and prime. Rushing the drying time causes cracking and bubbling.