Drywall installation cost calculator

Net surface area is gross wall and ceiling area minus entered openings. Board coverage multiplies net area by the layer count. Purchased panels round up coverage × (1+waste/100) divided by panel area. Labor uses net surface area once: enter a rate that already includes all layers and the selected finish level.

For 50 m² gross area, 5 m² openings, one layer, 1.2 × 2.5 m panels and 10% waste, purchase 17 panels. At an example price of 12 per panel, 30 for consumables and 10 per net m² labor, base cost is 684; 10% markup gives 752.4 before tax. These are arithmetic examples, not a local price estimate.

Room area calculator

The result above uses these exact values. This snapshot is included when the page is printed so the output can be checked against the original measurements.

Gross wall and ceiling area

50 m²

Opening area deducted

5 m²

Board layers

1

Panel width

1.2 m

Panel length

2.5 m

Panel waste allowance

10 %

Price per panel

12

Tape, compound and fastener allowance

30

Labor price per net square metre

10

Other project costs

0

Markup on cost

10 %

Entered tax rate

0 %

Tax base assumption

Materials including their markup

Primary result: Net surface area: 45 m².

• Measure from the datum or reference edge described by this tool, and do not mix inside, outside and centerline dimensions.
• Keep inputs in the displayed units and preserve more precision than the final cutting or purchasing tolerance requires.
• When the result is close to a limit, verify it with a test piece, field measurement, manufacturer drawing or qualified project professional.

Area-based panel quantities do not optimize seams, offcuts or orientation. Small openings may not save a whole board. Specify fire, moisture and acoustic requirements separately. Include finish level, access, ceiling height, disposal and preparation in your rates or other costs. Markup is not margin; the selected tax base is a user assumption.