Drywall Installation Cost Calculator
Estimate what it costs to have drywall hung and finished - labor and materials, US national average. Enter the total surface area (walls + ceiling); the drywall calculator works that area out from your room dimensions if you need it.
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Estimated cost
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Enter the area to see an estimate.
How to estimate
- Measure the area you're covering - length × width.
- Pick the grade or material that matches your project.
- Read the estimated installed cost range for your area.
What drives the cost
- Finish level - a taped level-2 garage wall is cheapest; a smooth level-5 finish for critical lighting costs the most in labor.
- Hanging vs finishing - hanging alone runs $0.85–$1.90/ft²; taping and mudding add $0.35–$1.10/ft². Labor is 65–75% of the total.
- Board type - standard 1/2-inch is the baseline; moisture-resistant, mold-resistant and fire-rated (Type X) board cost more per sheet.
- Ceilings and height - overhead work and tall or vaulted walls need staging and slow the crew, raising the rate.
- Repairs vs new work - patching, matching texture and hauling out old drywall add labor a clean new hang doesn't have.
- Local labor rates - the biggest regional swing.
Average installed cost
| Grade | Per ft² (installed) | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $1.50–$2.50 | Hang + tape, level 2–3 |
| Standard | $2.00–$3.50 | Level 4, paint-ready |
| Premium | $3.00–$4.50 | Level 5, moisture/fire, ceilings |
Ranges are national averages and vary with region, prep and material - a starting point, not a quote.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to install drywall?
- Installed, drywall runs about $1.50–$3.50 per square foot of surface (labor + materials); level-5, moisture/fire-rated board and ceilings push toward $4.50. A 12×12 room with 8-ft walls has roughly 400 ft² of drywall, landing about $700–$1,400 standard. Enter your area above.
- How much of the cost is labor vs materials?
- Labor is the bulk of it - 65–75% of the total. The board and supplies (joint compound, tape, screws, corner bead) run about $0.80–$1.30/ft²; labor to hang and finish runs $1.00–$2.70/ft².
- What do drywall finish 'levels' mean?
- Level 4 (tape, three coats of mud, sanded, paint-ready) is standard for most rooms. Level 5 adds a full skim coat for flawless walls under raking or critical light and costs more. Levels 1–3 (garages, closets, behind cabinets) are cheaper.
- Why is this only an estimate?
- Finish level, board type, ceilings, repairs and local labor all move the price. Use this national-average range as a starting point, then get local quotes.
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