The Drywall Cost Per Square Foot Calculator figures out the total cost of a drywall project based on your space size. It adds up the price of materials, labor, and finishing, then adjusts for extra waste. This helps you plan your budget, avoid surprises, and make smart financial decisions. It’s perfect for real-life use, like renovating a room or building a house.
You just need to know your wall area and some basic rates. The calculator does the rest, giving you a clear number to work with. Curious about how it’s done? Let’s look at the formula next.
Formula for Drywall Cost
Calculating the total cost of drywall is straightforward with this formula:
Total Cost = (Material Cost + Labor Cost + Finishing Cost) × (1 + Waste Factor)
Where:
- Material Cost = Drywall Price × Square Footage
(Drywall price is usually per square foot) - Labor Cost = Labor Rate × Square Footage
(Labor rate is per square foot or hour, adjusted for area) - Finishing Cost = (Tape + Mud + Primer + Paint) Costs
(Combined cost for supplies to finish the job) - Waste Factor is typically 10-15% (0.10-0.15)
(Accounts for extra material you might not use)
These costs come from standard construction practices. Prices vary by location and project, but the formula stays reliable. Now, let’s make it easier with a table.
Quick Reference Table for Drywall Costs
Why calculate every time? This table shows typical drywall costs per square foot for common projects. It includes average rates, so you can estimate without doing all the math.
| Project Size (sq ft) | Material Cost ($/sq ft) | Labor Cost ($/sq ft) | Finishing Cost ($/sq ft) | Total Cost (with 10% Waste) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.50 | 0.75 | 0.25 | $165 |
| 500 | 0.45 | 0.70 | 0.20 | $792 |
| 1,000 | 0.40 | 0.65 | 0.20 | $1,485 |
How to Use the Table
- Pick your project size.
- Check the total cost with waste included.
- Adjust if your local prices differ.
This table helps with searches like “drywall cost for 500 sq ft.” For exact numbers, use the formula. Next, let’s walk through an example.
Example: Calculating Drywall Cost
Suppose you’re drywalling a 200-square-foot room. You want to know the total cost. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
- Calculate Material Cost:
Drywall Price = $0.50/sq ft
Material Cost = 0.50 × 200 = $100 - Calculate Labor Cost:
Labor Rate = $0.75/sq ft
Labor Cost = 0.75 × 200 = $150 - Calculate Finishing Cost:
Finishing Cost = $0.25/sq ft (tape, mud, etc.)
Finishing Cost = 0.25 × 200 = $50 - Add Them Up:
Total Before Waste = 100 + 150 + 50 = $300 - Apply Waste Factor (10%):
Total Cost = 300 × (1 + 0.10) = 300 × 1.10 = $330
So, your project costs $330. This matches industry estimates and helps you budget accurately.
Most Common FAQs
The waste factor covers extra material for cuts, mistakes, or damage—usually 10-15% is enough.
Yes, it works for any size—just adjust the square footage and rates to fit your job.
No, prices change by area and supplier, so check local rates for the best results.