Drywall cost per square foot (2026)
| Finish level | Installed cost per sq ft | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Level 0–1 (hung only) | $0.85–$1.90 | Garages, attics, behind tile |
| Standard (hung and finished) | $1.50–$3.50 | Most rooms |
| Level 4 | $1.70–$3.20 | Flat or eggshell paint |
| Level 5 | $1.75–$3.50 | Gloss paint, strong side light |
Labor to hang and finish is about $1.00–$2.70 per sq ft and makes up roughly 65–75% of the total. Sheets run about $30–$70 each installed. Source: HomeGuide 2026 drywall cost data. Prices vary by region and job size.
How the area is calculated
Walls = 2 × (length + width) × height, plus the ceiling (length × width) if ticked, minus about 21 sq ft per door and 15 sq ft per window. Sheets = area × (1 + waste) ÷ sheet area, rounded up.
Questions
How much does it cost to drywall a 12x12 room?
About $580 to $1,800 installed, depending on finish level, ceiling height and region. A 12 × 12 room with 8 ft ceilings has about 384 sq ft of wall plus 144 sq ft of ceiling.
How many sheets of drywall do I need?
Divide the area by the sheet size (32 sq ft for 4 × 8, 48 for 4 × 12) and add about 10% for waste. The calculator does this for you.
Is labor or material the bigger cost?
Labor. Hanging, taping and finishing is usually 65–75% of the installed price.
Does the calculator store my numbers?
No. Everything runs in your browser.
Last reviewed 27 September 2026.